Comparing & Contrasting SW Asian Governments ISRAEL IRAN SAUDI ARABIA Comparing & Contrasting SW Asian Governments

ISRAEL

System of Government Unitary: Central Government makes all the decisions!

Type of Democracy Parliamentary Democracy: Citizens vote for members of the Knesset. Legislative Branch…UNICAMERAL Holds most power in government 120 members who serve 4-year terms

Leadership President: Reuven Rivlin (2014) Head of Country Ceremonial role, not much power Prime Minister: Benjamin Netanyahu Head of Government Knesset Legislative Branch (US: Congress:: Israel: Knesset)

President Reuven Rivlin Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Becoming A Leader President: Elected by Knesset for a 7-year term Prime Minister: Chosen by Knesset Head of largest political party in Knesset Knesset: Elected by popular vote by citizens.

Citizen Rights All citizens 18 years & older can vote for Knesset. Can travel in & out of Israel freely, but citizens must carry a blue ID card when traveling across West Bank. Basic freedom of speech & press.

SAUDI ARABIA

System of Government Unitary: Central Government makes all the decisions!

Type of Democracy No Democracy They are an AUTOCRACY! Absolute Monarchy Governed by Sharia law!

Leadership King: Abdallah bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (2005) Head of the country & government!

Becoming A Leader You have to be born in the family in order be king! Heir: Half-brother Sultan bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud In 2006 a decree was made that created a committee of Saudi princes that will play a role in selecting future Saudi kings, but this new system will not go into effect until after Sultan bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud becomes king.

Citizen Rights Must be Muslim to be citizen. Public practice of any other religion other than Islam is against the law. Men: 21 & older can vote in local elections. Women: Very little freedom Can vote in local elections Cannot drive & must dress modestly. Limited freedom of press & speech.

IRAN

System of Government Unitary: Central Government makes all the decisions!

Type of Democracy Presidential Democracy Theocracy Governed by Sharia law.

Leadership Supreme (Religious) Leader: Known as the AYATOLLAH Ali Hoseini-Khameni (1989) Head of the State President: Head of Government Hassan Rouhani (2013)

Becoming A Leader Ayatollah (Supreme Leader): Appointed for life by the Assembly of Experts, a group of religious leaders. President: Elected by popular vote to a 4-year term

Citizen Rights All citizens 18 & older can vote. No freedom of press or speech. Must obey strict Sharia law. Women: little freedom.