E.Q. How do the governments of Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Iran compare? Structures of National Governments of Southwest Asia SS7CG5

Iran Iran has a Theocratic Republic form of government. This type of government is built on religious principles and wishes of its people.

Iran’s Leadership Assembly of Experts- 86 religious scholars, elected by people, select Supreme Leader Assembly of Experts- 86 religious scholars, elected by people, select Supreme Leader Head of state is know as the Supreme Leader called the Ayatollah (religious authority), holds position for life Head of state is know as the Supreme Leader called the Ayatollah (religious authority), holds position for life President governs based on religious guidance of Ayatollah, elected by people President governs based on religious guidance of Ayatollah, elected by people

The Legislature of Iran Consultative Assembly Consultative Assembly 290 members 290 members Elected by the people Elected by the people

Who votes in Iran? Citizens 18 years old and older may vote Citizens 18 years old and older may vote Elected by popular vote Elected by popular vote

Personal Freedoms Compliance with Islamic law in public and personal life is mandatory Compliance with Islamic law in public and personal life is mandatory Minorities have little say-so. Minorities have little say-so. Sunni MuslimsSunni Muslims WomenWomen Other religionsOther religions

Israel Israel has a Parliamentary Democracy form of government.

Israel’s Leadership President is the head of state President is the head of state President holds little power in Israel President holds little power in Israel Prime Minister is the head of the government (He’s got the power!) Prime Minister is the head of the government (He’s got the power!) Prime Minister is the head of the largest political party in legislature Prime Minister is the head of the largest political party in legislature Prime Minister organizes a coalition to govern-coalition government Prime Minister organizes a coalition to govern-coalition government

The Legislature of Israel Called “Knesset” Called “Knesset” Made up of 120 members Made up of 120 members The members elect the president The members elect the president

Who votes in Israel? Israeli citizens 18 and older may vote Israeli citizens 18 and older may vote Elected officials are elected by popular vote Elected officials are elected by popular vote

Personal Freedoms Human rights and liberties part of basic law of Israel. What does this mean? What do we have that is similar to this?

Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia has a monarchy form of government.

Saudi Arabia’s Leadership A king is the head of state and the government A king is the head of state and the government Selected by the royal family (no choice for public) Selected by the royal family (no choice for public) Council of ministers-mostly made up of members of the royal family Council of ministers-mostly made up of members of the royal family

The Legislature of Saudi Arabia Called the Consultative Council Called the Consultative Council 2/3 of council is picked by the king 2/3 of council is picked by the king 1/3 of legislature is elected 1/3 of legislature is elected

Who votes in Saudi Arabia? Males 21 years of age or older Males 21 years of age or older May vote for ½ of their local officials May vote for ½ of their local officials May vote for 1/3 of legislature May vote for 1/3 of legislature

Personal Freedoms Islamic law places restrictions on Freedom Islamic law places restrictions on Freedom No pork or alcoholic beveragesNo pork or alcoholic beverages No public theaters and cinemasNo public theaters and cinemas No public practice of any religion other than IslamNo public practice of any religion other than Islam Women’s rights are limited: Women’s rights are limited: Banned from driving on public roadsBanned from driving on public roads Must wear modest clothing (Burqa)Must wear modest clothing (Burqa)