Transcript Middle East Governments

Middle East Governments
Top of Page 51
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SS7CG5a.
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Compare and contrast the governments of
Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Iran distinguishing
the form of leadership, and the role of the
citizen in terms of voting rights
Government Definitions pg. 51
Sharia-Islamic law
 Chief of State- Largely ceremonial,
little if any political power
 Head of State- Head of the govt., has
the political power
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Iran
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Type of Government: Theocracy – a govt.
ruled by religious leaders according to
religious law.
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oligarchy
Form of Leadership: Supreme Leader
appointed for life by the Assembly of
Experts
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Assembly of Experts elected by popular vote
for an 8-yr. term
President elected by popular vote for a 4-yr.
term.
Iran
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Type of Legislature:
Islamic Consultative Assembly
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290 seats; elected by popular vote to serve 4
yr. terms
Role of Citizen: Men and women 18 and
over can vote for every office except
Supreme Leader
Iran
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Personal Freedoms:
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Executions have increased, and so have
arrests of students, women activists and labor
organizers
Still more freedoms than Saudi Arabia
Israel
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Type of Government: Parliamentary
Democracy (Republic) – People freely
choose their leaders.
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Federal, Democratic
Form of Leadership:
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President is largely a ceremonial role and is
elected by the Knesset for a 7-yr. term (no
term limits).
Prime Minister is elected by the people and
runs the government.
Israel
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Type of Legislature:
Knesset
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120 seats; elected by
popular vote to serve
4-yr. terms
Role of Citizens: Men
and women 18 and
over can vote for
everyone except
President
Israel
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Citizens in Israel are free.
Citizens living in Israeli occupied territory
(Arab Palestinians) do not share as many
freedoms.
Saudi Arabia
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Type of Government: Absolute Monarchy
– the king has total control
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Sharia- Islamic Law
Unitary, Autocratic
Form of Leadership: King: the monarch is
both the chief of state and head of
government
Saudi Arabia
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Type of Legislature: Consultative Council 150 members and a chairman appointed
by the monarch for 4-yr. terms
Role of Citizens: Men over the age of 21
may vote in local elections only. Women
may vote in 2015.
Saudi Arabia
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Personal Freedoms:
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No criticism of the govt.
No political parties
Arbitrary arrest
Detention without trial
Torture
Saudi Arabia
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Women:
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No freedom of movement and association
No equality in employment and education
Non-Muslims:
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Non-Muslim religious practices were banned
and subject to criminal prosecution
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Giving out Bibles – against the law
The government owns all radio and
television stations