Welcome to Social Studies! Today’s EQ: How is a Democracy similar and different to a Monarchy?

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Form of Government: Monarchy (absolute/hereditary)  In an absolute monarchy the king, queen, and royal family has total control.  In Saudi Arabia, the monarchs make all the government decisions and determine the rights of citizens.  The king and those he appoints to different positions run the whole country.

3 Branches of Government: 1. Executive Branch:  Head of Government- The monarch is both the Chief of State and Head of Gov’t Chief of State/Head of Government- King and Prime Minister Abdullah bin Abdul al-Aziz Al Saud. Chief of State/Head of Government- King and Prime Minister Abdullah bin Abdul al-Aziz Al Saud. His powers are limited within the bounds of Shari’a and other Saudi traditions.His powers are limited within the bounds of Shari’a and other Saudi traditions. He must retain a consensus of the Saudi royal family, religious leaders, and other important elements in Saudi society.He must retain a consensus of the Saudi royal family, religious leaders, and other important elements in Saudi society. He is commander of the armed forces.He is commander of the armed forces.

Executive Branch (continued)  Deputy Prime Minister- The Crown Prince, Sultan bin abdul al-Aziz Al Saud.  Second Deputy Prime Minister- Nayif bin Abdul al-Aziz Al Saud.  Council of Ministers- appointed by the monarch every four years Includes many royal family members Includes many royal family members Gives advice on making general policies Gives advice on making general policies Established an Allegiance Commission in November, 2006 that will select future crown princes, after the Crown Prince Sultan becomes king. Established an Allegiance Commission in November, 2006 that will select future crown princes, after the Crown Prince Sultan becomes king.

2. Legislative Branch: Consultative Council (Majlis al-Shura) their job: Have limited authority to question ministers and propose new laws and amends existing ones. Have limited authority to question ministers and propose new laws and amends existing ones. The majlis serves as an advisory body the that could make recommendations to the king. The majlis serves as an advisory body the that could make recommendations to the king. Oct. 2003, announced intent to introduce elections for half of the members of local assemblies and a third of the national Consultative Council, over a 4-5 year period. Oct. 2003, announced intent to introduce elections for half of the members of local assemblies and a third of the national Consultative Council, over a 4-5 year period. To date, no such elections have been held. To date, no such elections have been held.Members: 150 members and a chairman appointed by the monarch for a 4-year term. 150 members and a chairman appointed by the monarch for a 4-year term.

Constitution:  No formal constitution; but by a royal decree in 1992, they are governed according to Islamic law, the basic law that articulates the government’s rights and responsibilities. 3. Judicial Branch: Legal System-  Based on Shari’a law (Islamic law) and some secular codes have been introduced, like capital and corporal punishments (death, stoning, amputations, flogging, retribution with blood money, and honor killings).

Supreme Council of Justice:  12 are appointed by the monarch, based on Shari’a.  The king acts as the highest court of appeal and has the right to pardon in cases where punishment is not ordained in the Quran.  Citizens have access to high officials and the right to petition them directly: There are no political parties There are no political parties Political pressures comes from Ansar Al Marah (supports women’s rights), gas companies, and religious groups. Political pressures comes from Ansar Al Marah (supports women’s rights), gas companies, and religious groups.

Role of the Citizen: Suffrage:  The citizens do not have the right to vote as there are no elections held since the monarchy is hereditary  However, they list suffrage at 21, males only.  The municipal (local) election held in Saudi Arabia’s history was in Personal Freedoms:  1992, King Fahd became the first Saudi monarch to compile these regulations into a single document called the main code (nizam).

Personal Freedoms (Continued)  It prohibited government agencies from arbitrarily arresting citizens or violating their privacy, but lacked clauses guaranteeing the basic rights of citizens to freedom of belief, expression, assembly, or political participation. Freedom of limited education and for women in Freedom of limited education and for women in Freedom of occupation, health care, mass media according to Islamic law Freedom of occupation, health care, mass media according to Islamic law Freedom to address public officials and file law suits. Freedom to address public officials and file law suits.

For Your Information: (you do not have to copy this down)  An absolute monarchy limits the rights of the citizens and the king can take away any rights anyone may have.  The rights of its citizens are threatened by the monarch whenever.  Saudi Arabia has been often accused of human rights violations.  It is possible for an absolute monarchy to have a fair and wise ruler; but it is also possible to have an unfair and unwise ruler.

For Your Information (Continued): (you do not have to copy this down)  There is no accountability for the actions of an absolute monarch: they answer to no one.  In large countries it is also easy for monarchs to lose control of what is happening in their own country because people appointed by the King can easily take advantage of the citizens in the name of the King without the King’s knowledge or approval.

Now, by yourself, answer these Qs: Right There:  Who in Saudi Arabia’s government holds all the power? Where did you find this answer in your notes? Putting It Together:  What would be some disadvantages to living under an absolute monarch? Explain why you think so. On Your Own:  Do you feel that it is the United State’s responsibility to step into a country like Saudi Arabia, Iran, or Israel and make them run their country the same way we do? Be sure to give this lots of thoughts, and back up your answer with facts from our notes!

With your partner, discuss your answers: Right There:  Who in Saudi Arabia’s government holds all the power? Where did you find this answer in your notes? Putting It Together:  What would be some disadvantages to living under an absolute monarch? Explain why you think so. On Your Own:  Do you feel that it is the United State’s responsibility to step into a country like Saudi Arabia, Iran, or Israel and make them run their country the same way we do? Be sure to give this lots of thoughts, and back up your answer with facts from our notes!

Ticket Out The Door: Compare/Contrast Iran, Saudi Arabia, and our own Governments: Iran United States Saudi Arabia