GOVERNMENT SS7CG4: The student will compare and contrast various forms of government

SIX TYPES OF GOVERNMENT 1. Unitary – the central government holds nearly all the power Saudi Arabia is a monarchy (King) and is an example of unitary government Saudi Arabia is a monarchy (King) and is an example of unitary government 2. Confederation – local government has all the power League of Arab States or OPEC is an example League of Arab States or OPEC is an example

SIX TYPES OF GOVERNMENT 3. Federal government – power is shared between different levels of government Israel is an example Israel is an example 4. Autocratic government – the ruler has absolute power to do whatever he wishes and enforces whatever laws he chooses Saudi Arabia is an example Saudi Arabia is an example

SIX TYPES OF GOVERNMENT 5. Oligarchy – “government by the few”; a small group takes over the government and makes all the decisions Syria is an example Syria is an example 6. Democratic government – a great deal of power is left in the hands of the people; decisions are made by majority votes Israel is an example Israel is an example

Two types of Democratic Governments Parliamentary Democracy Parliamentary form of democratic government – the people elect a Parliament that makes and carries out the laws for the country Parliamentary form of democratic government – the people elect a Parliament that makes and carries out the laws for the country The leader is called a Prime Minister and is the head of the government; he is chosen by the party that has the majority representatives in Parliament The leader is called a Prime Minister and is the head of the government; he is chosen by the party that has the majority representatives in Parliament There is usually a “King” or “Queen” that has no power There is usually a “King” or “Queen” that has no power

Two types of Democratic Governments Presidential form of democratic government – a President is chosen separately from the legislature Presidential form of democratic government – a President is chosen separately from the legislature Legislature passes the laws, the President makes sure they are enforced Legislature passes the laws, the President makes sure they are enforced The President is Head of State and head of the government The President is Head of State and head of the government

GOVERNMENT SS7CG5: The student will explain the structures of the national governments of SW Asia (Middle East)

ISRAEL Parliamentary democracy Parliamentary democracy People elect representatives from different political parties People elect representatives from different political parties Israeli parliament is called the Knesset Israeli parliament is called the Knesset All citizens over the age of 18 can vote All citizens over the age of 18 can vote Many Israeli laws are influenced by the Orthodox Jews (religion) Many Israeli laws are influenced by the Orthodox Jews (religion) Elections are held every 4 years Elections are held every 4 years

SAUDI ARABIA Hereditary monarchy Hereditary monarchy Government is lead by a King who comes from a family that has ruled for several generations Government is lead by a King who comes from a family that has ruled for several generations The King rules until he dies or chooses to give up power The King rules until he dies or chooses to give up power The citizens have very little influence as the ruler makes all the decisions The citizens have very little influence as the ruler makes all the decisions Laws are based on the teaching of the Quran and are called Shariah law Laws are based on the teaching of the Quran and are called Shariah law

IRAN Theocracy Theocracy God is seen as the true leader of the government and the country’s religious leaders serve as the political leaders God is seen as the true leader of the government and the country’s religious leaders serve as the political leaders Iran is seen as a theocratic republic because the government is led by both an elected parliament and religious leaders Iran is seen as a theocratic republic because the government is led by both an elected parliament and religious leaders Shia religious leaders are called Ayatollah Shia religious leaders are called Ayatollah Iranian citizens over the age of 16 can vote in all elections Iranian citizens over the age of 16 can vote in all elections