IZZ 13-2 Africa's Government & Religion

Songhai leader who built the largest empire in medieval West Africa

• clan

• Makkah

• sultan

• Askia Muhammad

• Swahili

Answer explanation

Askia Muhammad was the Songhai leader who expanded the empire to its greatest extent in medieval West Africa, establishing a powerful and influential state known for its wealth and culture.

a leader of a group of people

• clan

• Makkah

• sultan

• Askia Muhammad

• Swahili

Answer explanation

The term 'sultan' refers to a leader or ruler, particularly in Islamic contexts, making it the correct choice for a leader of a group of people. Other options do not specifically denote leadership.

a language that means “people of the coast”

• clan

• Makkah

• sultan

• Askia Muhammad

• Swahili

Answer explanation

The term "Swahili" translates to "people of the coast" in Arabic, referring to the coastal communities of East Africa where the language originated. It is the correct answer among the options provided.

a group of people descended from the same ancestor

• clan

• Makkah

• sultan

• Askia Muhammad

• Swahili

Answer explanation

A 'clan' refers to a group of people who share a common ancestor, making it the correct choice. The other options, such as Makkah, sultan, Askia Muhammad, and Swahili, do not describe a familial group.

Muslim holy city, also known as Mecca

• clan

• Makkah

• sultan

• Askia Muhammad

• Swahili

Answer explanation

The correct answer is Makkah, which is the Arabic name for Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, the direction Muslims face during prayer.

West African empires utilized ___________ governments ruled by ___________.

• city-state, emperors

• democracy, sultans

• centralized, kings

• tribal, chiefs

Answer explanation

West African empires were characterized by centralized governments, where power was concentrated under kings. This structure allowed for efficient administration and control over vast territories, distinguishing them from other forms of governance.

King __________ of Mali rewarded loyal citizens with gold, land, and horses.

• Muhammad Ture

• Ibn Battuta

• Sunni Ali

• Mansa Musa

Answer explanation

Mansa Musa, the famous king of Mali, is known for his wealth and generosity. He rewarded loyal citizens with gold, land, and horses, solidifying his reputation as a benevolent ruler.

Today, the most widely practiced religion in Africa is

• Christianity

• Igbo

• Islam

• Judaism

Answer explanation

Christianity is the most widely practiced religion in Africa today, with a significant number of adherents across various countries, surpassing other religions like Islam, Judaism, and indigenous beliefs such as Igbo.

Igbo is similar to Christianity, Islam, and Judaism in that all believe in

• many gods

• helping the poor

• ancestor spirits

• one supreme god

Answer explanation

Igbo, like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, believes in one supreme god. This monotheistic aspect aligns these religions, distinguishing them from polytheistic beliefs that worship many gods or ancestor spirits.

The __________ language and culture still exists in East Africa today.

• Swahili

• Igbo

• Egyptian

• Arabian

Answer explanation

The Swahili language and culture, which originated from the coastal regions of East Africa, continue to thrive today, making it the correct choice. Igbo is primarily associated with Nigeria, while Egyptian and Arabian do not specifically relate to East Africa.