SOUTHWEST ASIA (Middle East) Government/Civics Understandings

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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