Let’s Play Name That Government! Comparing Government Systems of the Middle East

SS7CG5 The student will explain the structures of the national governments of Southwest Asia (Middle East). 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, Distinguish the form of leadership The role of the citizen in terms of voting rights and personal freedoms.

Country #1: ISRAEL= what kind of government??? The people elect representatives from a group of different political parties. These representatives form a legislative body called the Knesset (the group that makes the laws of the land). The leader of the Knesset is called a Prime Minister. He or she is usually the leader of the political party which has the majority of elected delegates in the Knesset. What TYPE of government? Your answer is………………. ________________________. Parliamentary Democracy

Other Interesting Facts About Israel’s Government: All Israeli citizens over the age of 18 are allowed to vote. (Even the Palestinians!) Most Israeli citizens see themselves as secular (they do not believe the country’s laws should be based solely on religious law or a separation of Church and State). However, many Israeli laws are influenced by Orthodox Jews (who make up about 25% of the population), who would like for government policy to be based on religious (Jewish) law. (Do you see a problem with that???)

Other Interesting Facts About Israel’s Government: Elections are held every four years unless the party in power of the Knesset begins to lose the support of the majority. Then the next election can be held earlier. Israel has a separate judicial branch made up of religious and secular (non-religious) courts.

Country #2: SAUDI ARABIA= what kind of government??? The government is led by a king, who rules for his lifetime, and comes from a family that has ruled the country for several generations. The people do not choose their king; when a king dies, the Saudi family announces who the next king will be from among their family members. The king is the unquestioned leader of the country. The Council of Ministers serves as advisors to the king and help carry out public policy. It also makes the law of the land, but this law must be approved by the king. What TYPE of government? Your answer is………………. ________________________. Monarchy

Other Interesting Facts About Saudi Arabia’s Government: Saudi Arabia is an Islamic state. Much of Saudi Arabia’s law is based on what the religious leaders say is found in the Quran. These laws which are based on what the Quran says are known as Sharia law.

Country #3: REPUBLIC OF IRAN= what kind of government??? God is seen as the true leader of the government. The country’s religious leaders serve as the political leaders. The Supreme Leader, an Islamic religious leader, is responsible for policies and acts as commander and chief of the military. A body known as the Assembly of Experts appoints the Supreme Leader; they can also remove him if they become dissatisfied with him. Iran also has a president elected by the citizens who serves as chief executive of the country.

Country #3: REPUBLIC OF IRAN= what kind of government??? 6. The President must be approved by a special council before running for office who makes sure the presidential candidate is devoted to the principles of Iran’s Islamic revolution. 7. Iran also has a legislative body which rules on matters brought before it by the president. 8.The supreme leader (Religious Leader) has the final say over many of the president’s decisions. What TYPE of government? Your answer is………………. ________________________. Theocratic Republic

Other Interesting Facts About Iran’s Government: Iranian citizens over the age of 16 are allowed to vote in all elections. Most Iranians are members of the Shia group of Islam, who believe their members should play and active role in politics. Many Shia religious leaders who have been recognized for their great scholarship and understanding of religious law take the title Ayatollah. There are eleven women serving in Iran’s parliament, more than any other Southwest Asian nation. Since Iran has so much in oil wealth and is a leading member of OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries), the decisions made by the Iranian government have an impact on the countries of the world.