Why was it (and Daoism) banned for so long by the Chinese state?

Make an arguement either for or against Confucianism being a religion. Is it just a philosphy or societal organization, or does it hold more meaning beyond this which would place it into the role of religion? Why was it (and Daoism) banned for so long by the Chinese state? And, now that they are not officially prohibitied, discuss also how the incorporation of Confucian and Daoist ideals are important in understanding Chinese culture in the world today.