1. What does Saudi Arabia consider to be their country’s constitution? 2. What is the name of Israel’s legislature?

Governments: Israel, Iran; Saudi Arabia

Quick Review : Autocracy Government in which the power to govern is held by one person. Generally the power to rule is inherited or held by military force. There are three types of Autocracy Dictatorships Absolute Monarchy Constitutional Monarch

Quick Review : Oligarchy A government in which a few people such as a dominant clan or clique have power. The group gets their power from either military, wealth or social status. Elections may be held but offer only one candidate. Examples: Greek city states

Quick Review : Democracy In a democracy, the government is “Ruled by the people” There are two forms of democracy Direct Democracy – People vote on all the issues. Representative Democracy – People elect representatives and give them the power to vote on issues. Example: United States

Israel: Democracy - Parliamentary Government: ISRAEL (autocratic/oligarchy/democracy)   Leader (Title of the leader) Legislature (government body that makes laws) Citizen Participation (what rights do citizens have?) Personal Freedoms what can/can’t citizens do freely Democracy - Parliamentary The President has a ceremonial role where the Prime Minister has ALL the power. Parliament is called Knesset and is comprised of 120 members which are elected to 4 year terms.  All citizens can vote at the age of 18 and participate in free and fair elections.  Freedom of speech and the media-citizens are allowed to criticize the government. Both men and women have equal rights.

Iran Government: IRAN (autocratic/oligarchy/democracy)   Leader (Title of the leader) Legislature (government body that makes laws) Citizen Participation (what rights do citizens have?) Personal Freedoms what can/can’t citizens do freely  Oligarchy  Supreme Leader is Ali Hoseini Khomeini. Head of State is president Mahmud Ahmadi-Nejad.  Assembly of Experts Expediency Council Council of Guardians Islamic Consultative: 290 members elected every 4 years.  Citizens over 15 can vote. Citizens cannot vote for the Supreme Leader, however, the Assembly of Experts chooses this position. Citizens must follow the Sharia law system.    Citizens can not criticize the governments or their leaders. -No freedom of speech or press. -Citizens must follow strict social and religious rules. 

Saudi Arabia King-Crown Prince Government: Saudi Arabia (autocratic/oligarchy/democracy)   Leader (Title of the leader) Legislature (government body that makes laws) Citizen Participation (what rights do citizens have?) Personal Freedoms what can/can’t citizens do freely  Autocratic King-Crown Prince The king has a Consultative Council that advises him. The council has 150 seats which are appointed by the king. Citizens are not allowed to vote for the king. Majlis are open meetings to petition King or other officials. The legal system is based on the Sharia law system and men over the age of 21 can vote if they ever have an election.  Citizens cannot criticize the government or its leaders. -No freedom of speech or freedom of the press. Citizens must follow strict social and religious rules!

Which country would you choose to live in and why? Use the notes you just took. In 1 paragraph, tell me which country you would choose to live in: Israel, Saudi Arabia, or Iran. Support your paragraph with facts! Underneath your paragraph, give me 2 reasons why you did not choose the 2 other countries.