is an organized set of beliefs, whereas refers to the degree of affiliation with an organized religion.

buying socks and buying shoes are independent events.

your question is incomplete

explanation:

most cajuns resided in acadiana, where their descendants are still predominant

d. i assume the underlined word is "role." reformat if it isn't.

explanation:

role is closest to part because when replacing words, "playing a vital decision," "playing a vital activity," and "playing a vital dollar" don't make logical sense. the only meaningful choice is "playing a vital part."

this fits one of merriam-webster's definitions of role: "a function or part performed especially in a particular operation or process."