Question
The coexistence of rulers and councils of elders in African states in the period circa 1200–1450 best demonstrates
an attempt to imitate the feudal governments of European states and East Asian empires
Option A,an attempt to imitate the feudal governments of European states and East Asian empires
a
the influence of indigenous African political practices
Option B,the influence of indigenous African political practices
b
an adaptation to the climatic conditions of the East African coast
Option C,an adaptation to the climatic conditions of the East African coast
c
a reflection of the hardships and uncertainties faced by Muslim seaborne traders
an attempt to imitate the feudal governments of European states and East Asian empires
Option A,an attempt to imitate the feudal governments of European states and East Asian empires
a
the influence of indigenous African political practices
Option B,the influence of indigenous African political practices
b
an adaptation to the climatic conditions of the East African coast
Option C,an adaptation to the climatic conditions of the East African coast
c
a reflection of the hardships and uncertainties faced by Muslim seaborne traders
Answers
GPT-5 mini
Option B — the influence of indigenous African political practices.
Explanation: Many African states retained local institutions such as councils of elders (age-grades, lineage heads, village councils) alongside centralized rulers. This arrangement reflects continuity of indigenous political traditions that limited or balanced royal authority, rather than imitation of European/Asian feudalism, climate adaptation, or effects of Muslim maritime trade.
Explanation: Many African states retained local institutions such as councils of elders (age-grades, lineage heads, village councils) alongside centralized rulers. This arrangement reflects continuity of indigenous political traditions that limited or balanced royal authority, rather than imitation of European/Asian feudalism, climate adaptation, or effects of Muslim maritime trade.