which of the following best describes political characteristics of the songhai

1. starting with askia the great, the main political tool was the navy and army
2. timbuktu and gao bacame islamic learning centers used to spread songhai political power
3. songhai rulers used both diplomacy and the military as political tools
4, all songhai rulers used the ambassador system as a political tool

1. starting with askia the great, the main political tool was the navy and army

The correct answer is:

3. Songhai rulers used both diplomacy and the military as political tools.

To determine which of the options best describes the political characteristics of the Songhai, let's analyze each option and see which one aligns most accurately with historical information.

1. Starting with Askia the Great, the main political tool was the navy and army.
- This option suggests that the Songhai empire primarily relied on its navy and army for political purposes. However, while military strength was crucial to the Songhai empire, it was not their main political tool.

2. Timbuktu and Gao became Islamic learning centers used to spread Songhai political power.
- This option describes the role of Timbuktu and Gao as Islamic learning centers, which played a crucial role in the spread of the Songhai empire's influence. However, it doesn't capture the overall political characteristics of the Songhai rulers.

3. Songhai rulers used both diplomacy and the military as political tools.
- This option suggests that Songhai rulers employed both diplomacy and the military as political tools. This assertion is accurate and aligns well with historical information. Songhai rulers utilized diplomatic negotiations alongside military strength to maintain and expand their political influence.

4. All Songhai rulers used the ambassador system as a political tool.
- This option suggests that the ambassador system was utilized by all Songhai rulers as a political tool. While ambassadors played a significant role in the Songhai Empire, it cannot be concluded that all rulers exclusively used the ambassador system for political purposes.

Based on the analysis, option 3 best describes the political characteristics of the Songhai. The rulers of Songhai utilized a combination of diplomatic negotiations and military force as their political tools.