Middle East Governments Comic Strip Activity Create 3 comic strips including; (Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iran) Identify the 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)

Israel - Type of leader Israel is a parliamentary democracy. The president is head of state and serves in a primarily ceremonial role (Shimon Peres). The prime minister is the head of government (Benjamin Netanyahu).

Israel – Becoming the leader President is elected by the Knesset (parliament). After election, President nominates a member of the Knesset to become the Prime Minister (following a vote of confidence from the Knesset)

Israel – Role of Citizen Citizens over 18 can vote for members of the unicameral legislature called the Knesset.

Israel – Personal Freedoms Freedom of Speech – Yes Freedom of the Press - Yes

Saudi Arabia – Type of Leader Saudi Arabia is an Islamic Absolute Monarchy. King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud is the is the current King of Saudi Arabia and Head of the House of Saud.

Saudi Arabia – Becoming the Leader The right of succession is hereditary (passed down through the family). A newly established council selects a successor among the crown princes of the Saudi royal family. The King’s power is limited by Islamic law and he must build consensus among religious leaders and other influential Saudis.

Saudi Arabia – Role of Citizen The role of the citizen in Saudi Arabia is to obey the King.

Saudi Arabia – Personal Freedoms Freedom of Speech – No Freedom of the Press - No There are no voting rights or official political parties in this country.

Iran – Type of Leader Iran is a theocratic republic with a presidential system. The government of Iran is based on Islamic law. The Supreme Leader of Iran, who 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.

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. While the president is head of government, he may be removed by the Supreme Leader at any time.

Iran – Role of Citizen There is universal suffrage (voting) for everyone over 18. The role of the citizen in Iran is to obey the Supreme Leader.

Iran – Personal Freedoms Freedom of Speech – No Freedom of the Press - No

IsraelSaudi ArabiaIran Leader President Prime Minister (Parliamentary Democracy) King (Monarchy) Supreme Leader (Theocratic Republic) Takes Power by… ElectionHereditarySelected by Council of Experts Role of Citizen VoteObeyObey and “Vote” Personal Freedoms Freedom of Speech: Yes Press: Yes Freedom of Speech: No Press: No Freedom of Speech: No Press: No