Final answer:
Power in Ghana passed matrilineally while Mali was shaped by leaders Sundiata Keita and Mansa Musa, who mixed Islamic and traditional practices in governance.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Ghana and Mali society, power historically passed through a matrilineal system in Ghana, where kingship was inherited through the mother's lineage, rather than the patrilineal system seen in European monarchies. As for Mali, leadership strength rested significantly in the hands of powerful rulers such as Sundiata Keita and Mansa Musa, who were responsible for the kingdom's rise to prosperity and expansion. While Ghana's monarchy held central authority encompassing religious, judicial, military, and political power, Mali saw the ascension of these leaders, who were part Islamic and part traditional African in their religious practices, melding different beliefs into their governance.
Over time, as Ghana's empire declined, Mali emerged with territories extending along the Niger River. Mali became a significant trade hub and cultural center, particularly during Mansa Musa's leadership, when he distributed so much gold during his pilgrimage to Mecca that it affected economies along his route. The kingdom also became a major Islamic educational center, with Timbuktu being a prominent example.