Praxis II Citizenship

Answer: C - The Gupta Empire, in present-day India, operated with a formalized caste system. While other civilizations had defined class systems, class systems are quite different from caste systems. Class is typically based on economic status or profession. It is, to some degree, fluid, though many people, especially in ancient times, were/are unable to achieve upward mobility. Caste is based on heredity (skin color), which can never be changed. India’s caste system lasted until the 20th century, and while there are now anti-discrimination statutes, castes still heavily influence Indian culture.