1. SOUTHWEST ASIA (Middle East)
Government/Civics Understandings

2. Unitary Government System
SS7CG4 – a. Describe the ways government systems distribute power: unitary, confederation, federal
Unitary Government System
Central government holds nearly all power
Local and state government have little power, but they are under central government
May have elected officials, but those elected can make laws without permission or opinion
Monarchy is good example (Saudi Arabia)

3. Confederation Government System
SS7CG4 – a. Describe the ways government systems distribute power: unitary, confederation, federal
Confederation Government System
Local governments hold all power
Central government only has power that local government gives it
OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) and League of Arab States are examples

4. Federal Government System
SS7CG4 – a. Describe the ways government systems distribute power: unitary, confederation, federal
Federal Government System
Power is shared among different
levels of government
Divided into national, state, and
local governments
Israel is an example

5. Autocratic Government
SS7CG4 – b. Explain how governments determine citizen participation: autocratic, oligarchic, and democratic.
Autocratic Government
Ruler has absolute power to do whatever he wishes and makes and enforces laws he chooses
Individuals have no rights to choose leaders or vote
Saudi Arabia is example

6. Oligarchy “government by the few”
SS7CG4 – b. Explain how governments determine citizen participation: autocratic, oligarchic, and democratic.
Oligarchy
“government by the few”
Political party or small group makes all major decisions
Can be similar to autocratic
Syria and Iran are examples because small religious and political leaders make decisions

7. Democratic Government System
SS7CG4 – b. Explain how governments determine citizen participation: autocratic, oligarchic, and democratic.
Democratic Government System
People play a much greater role
Great deal of power left in the hands of the people
Must have rules, but as much freedom as possible
Decisions often made by majority vote
Israel is good example
Iraq is hoping to establish democracy

8. Parliamentary Form of Democratic Government
SS7CG4 – c. Describe the two predominant forms of democratic governments: parliamentary and presidential.
Parliamentary Form of Democratic Government
Parliament (Legislative Branch) is
elected by the people and carries out (enforces) laws for the country
Prime Minister or Premier is head of executive branch
Jordan is an example

9. Presidential Form of Democratic Government
SS7CG4 – c. Describe the two predominant forms of democratic governments: parliamentary and presidential.
Presidential Form of Democratic Government
Also call congressional form of
government
President chosen separately
from the legislature
Legislature passes laws, and president enforces laws
One difference between a presidential and parliamentary system is prime minister is member of parliament while president is separate branch

10. Israel Parliamentary Democracy
SS7CG5 – a. Compare the parliamentary democracy of the State of Israel, the monarchy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the theocracy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, distinguishing the form of leadership, and the role of the citizen in terms of voting rights and personal freedoms.
Israel
Parliamentary Democracy
People elect representatives from a group of different political parties
Head of government usually leader of political party
Prime minister is leader
All over 18 can vote
Many laws influenced by Jewish law
Election every 4 years

11. Saudi Arabia Hereditary Monarchy
SS7CG5 – a. Compare the parliamentary democracy of the State of Israel, the monarchy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the theocracy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, distinguishing the form of leadership, and the role of the citizen in terms of voting rights and personal freedoms.
Saudi Arabia
Hereditary Monarchy
Government led by king from family that ruled for generations
King has been member of al-Saud family since 1920’s
King, advisors (usually family), business and religious leaders make laws
No constitution and king rules for life
Most laws influenced by Quran, Muslim holy book

12. Iran Theocracy God is seen as true leader of government
SS7CG5 – a. Compare the parliamentary democracy of the State of Israel, the monarchy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the theocracy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, distinguishing the form of leadership, and the role of the citizen in terms of voting rights and personal freedoms.
Iran
Theocracy
God is seen as true leader of government
Country’s religious leaders serve as political leaders
All over 16 can vote
Religious leaders often influence decisions of elected officials
Iran is leading member of OPEC