Compare and Contrast Middle East Governments Read through the Power Point Presentation pertaining to your Middle Eastern Country (Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iran) and complete your criteria organizer including the following information; Identify the form of government title of the leader Identify how the person becomes the leader Determine what role the citizen plays in the government Determine personal freedoms (Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press)

Iran Iran is a large country with a large population, rich history, and valuable natural resources. Iran has a population of about 68 million—one of the largest in Southwest Asia. Ethnic Persians make up a slight majority. Other groups include ethnic Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Arabs, and Turkomans. Persian is the official language. Almost all Iranians speak Persian.

Iran The Shia branch of Islam is Iran’s official religion. About 90 percent of Iranians are Shia. About 10 percent of Iran’s residents are Sunni Muslim. The rest are Christian, Jewish, or practice other religions.

Iran – Form of Government In 1979, Muslim revolutionaries overthrew Iran’s constitutional monarchy. Iran has been a theocracy (Islamic republic with a presidential system) ever since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. The government of Iran is now based on Islamic law.

Iran – Title of Leader The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, is a religious leader, is chief of state and has final say on all matters. The Supreme Leader is commander-in-chief of the armed forces, controls military intelligence, and has sole power to declare war or peace.

Iran – Becoming the Leader The Supreme Leader is selected by the Council of Experts. The Council of Experts, as well as the legislature and president, are elected by popular vote.

Iran – Becoming the Leader While the president, Hassan Rouhani, is head of government, he may be removed by the Supreme Leader at any time.

Iran – Becoming the Leader It’s Complicated!

Iran – Role of Citizen (Voting Rights) There is universal suffrage (voting) for everyone over 18.

Iran – Role of Citizen (Personal Freedoms) The role of the citizen in Iran is to obey the Supreme Leader. The citizens of Iran have limited personal freedoms. Iranian citizens do not have freedom of speech or freedom of the press.