1. Comparing & Contrasting SW Asian Governments
ISRAEL
IRAN
SAUDI ARABIA
Comparing & Contrasting SW Asian Governments

2. ISRAEL

3. System of Government
Unitary: Central Government makes all the decisions!

4. Type of Democracy
Parliamentary Democracy: Citizens vote for members of the Knesset.
Legislative Branch…UNICAMERAL
Holds most power in government
120 members who serve 4-year terms

5. Leadership President: Reuven Rivlin (2014) Head of Country
Ceremonial role, not much power
Prime Minister: Benjamin Netanyahu
Head of Government
Knesset
Legislative Branch
(US: Congress:: Israel: Knesset)

6. President
Reuven Rivlin
Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu

8. Becoming A Leader President: Elected by Knesset for a 7-year term
Prime Minister:
Chosen by Knesset
Head of largest political party in Knesset
Knesset:
Elected by popular vote by citizens.

9. Citizen Rights All citizens 18 years & older can vote for Knesset.
Can travel in & out of Israel freely, but citizens must carry a blue ID card when traveling across West Bank.
Basic freedom of speech & press.

10. SAUDI ARABIA

11. System of Government
Unitary: Central Government makes all the decisions!

12. Type of Democracy No Democracy They are an AUTOCRACY!
Absolute Monarchy
Governed by Sharia law!

13. Leadership King: Abdallah bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (2005)
Head of the country & government!

16. Becoming A Leader You have to be born in the family in order be king!
Heir: Half-brother Sultan bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud
In 2006 a decree was made that created a committee of Saudi princes that will play a role in selecting future Saudi kings, but this new system will not go into effect until after Sultan bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud becomes king.

17. Citizen Rights Must be Muslim to be citizen.
Public practice of any other religion other than Islam is against the law.
Men: 21 & older can vote in local elections.
Women:
Very little freedom
Can vote in local elections
Cannot drive & must dress modestly.
Limited freedom of press & speech.

18. IRAN

19. System of Government
Unitary: Central Government makes all the decisions!

20. Type of Democracy Presidential Democracy Theocracy
Governed by Sharia law.

21. Leadership Supreme (Religious) Leader: Known as the AYATOLLAH
Ali Hoseini-Khameni (1989)
Head of the State
President:
Head of Government
Hassan Rouhani (2013)

22. Becoming A Leader Ayatollah (Supreme Leader):
Appointed for life by the Assembly of Experts, a group of religious leaders.
President:
Elected by popular vote to a 4-year term

23. Citizen Rights All citizens 18 & older can vote.
No freedom of press or speech.
Must obey strict Sharia law.
Women: little freedom.