1. Middle East Governments

2. Top of Page 51
SS7CG5a.
Compare and contrast the governments of Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Iran distinguishing the form of leadership, and the role of the citizen in terms of voting rights

3. Government Definitions pg. 51
Sharia-Islamic law
Chief of State- Largely ceremonial, little if any political power
Head of State- Head of the govt., has the political power

4. Iran
Type of Government: Theocracy – a govt. ruled by religious leaders according to religious law.
oligarchy
Form of Leadership: Supreme Leader appointed for life by the Assembly of Experts
Assembly of Experts elected by popular vote for an 8-yr. term
President elected by popular vote for a 4-yr. term.

5. Iran Type of Legislature: Islamic Consultative Assembly
290 seats; elected by popular vote to serve 4 yr. terms
Role of Citizen: Men and women 18 and over can vote for every office except Supreme Leader

6. Iran Personal Freedoms:
Executions have increased, and so have arrests of students, women activists and labor organizers
Still more freedoms than Saudi Arabia

8. Israel
Type of Government: Parliamentary Democracy (Republic) – People freely choose their leaders.
Federal, Democratic
Form of Leadership:
President is largely a ceremonial role and is elected by the Knesset for a 7-yr. term (no term limits).
Prime Minister is elected by the people and runs the government.

9. Israel Type of Legislature: Knesset
120 seats; elected by popular vote to serve 4-yr. terms
Role of Citizens: Men and women 18 and over can vote for everyone except President

10. Israel Citizens in Israel are free.
Citizens living in Israeli occupied territory (Arab Palestinians) do not share as many freedoms.

11. Saudi Arabia
Type of Government: Absolute Monarchy – the king has total control
Sharia- Islamic Law
Unitary, Autocratic
Form of Leadership: King: the monarch is both the chief of state and head of government

12. Saudi Arabia
Type of Legislature: Consultative Council -150 members and a chairman appointed by the monarch for 4-yr. terms
Role of Citizens: Men over the age of 21 may vote in local elections only. Women may vote in 2015.

13. Saudi Arabia Personal Freedoms: No criticism of the govt.
No political parties
Arbitrary arrest
Detention without trial
Torture

14. Saudi Arabia Women: Non-Muslims:
No freedom of movement and association
No equality in employment and education
Non-Muslims:
Non-Muslim religious practices were banned and subject to criminal prosecution
Giving out Bibles – against the law
The government owns all radio and television stations