Governments Governments of the of the

Middle EastMiddle East

SS7CG5 Compare the SS7CG5 Compare the parliamentary democracy of the parliamentary democracy of the State of Israel, the monarchy of State of Israel, the monarchy of

the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the theocracy of the Islamic the theocracy of the Islamic

Republic of IranRepublic of Iran

IsraelIsrael

Parliamentary democracyParliamentary democracy Called the KnessetCalled the Knesset Leader of the Knesset is called a Prime Leader of the Knesset is called a Prime

MinisterMinister All citizens over the age of 18 can voteAll citizens over the age of 18 can vote Elections are held every 4 years, unless Elections are held every 4 years, unless

the majority the party in power begins the majority the party in power begins to lose the support of a majority of to lose the support of a majority of Knesset members, then a special Knesset members, then a special election is heldelection is held

Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia

Hereditary monarchyHereditary monarchy A member of the al-Saud family since the 1920sA member of the al-Saud family since the 1920s Family members, influential business/religious Family members, influential business/religious

leaders make decisions and lawsleaders make decisions and laws No written constitution, the king rules for lifeNo written constitution, the king rules for life Saudi law is based on the Quran known as Saudi law is based on the Quran known as

Shariah lawShariah law Nearly all Saudi citizens are MuslimsNearly all Saudi citizens are Muslims Only men 21 and older can voteOnly men 21 and older can vote

IranIran Theocracy-government in which God is seen Theocracy-government in which God is seen

as the true leader of the government and the as the true leader of the government and the country’s religious leaders serve as political country’s religious leaders serve as political leaders. leaders.

Leader called Supreme LeaderLeader called Supreme Leader Elected president and legislatureElected president and legislature Theocratic republicTheocratic republic Over the age of 18 can voteOver the age of 18 can vote Shia clerics/leaders play a huge role in politicsShia clerics/leaders play a huge role in politics Ayatollah-title given to Shia religious leaders Ayatollah-title given to Shia religious leaders

who have been recognized for their great who have been recognized for their great understanding of religious lawunderstanding of religious law

Pop QuizPop Quiz

1.1. The Israeli parliament is called the The Israeli parliament is called the

a.a. SenateSenate

b.b. KnessetKnesset

c.c. CongressCongress

d.d. House of RepresentativesHouse of Representatives

2. Who is allowed to vote in Israeli 2. Who is allowed to vote in Israeli elections?elections?

a.a. All citizens 16 years of age or olderAll citizens 16 years of age or older

b.b. All citizens 18 years of age or olderAll citizens 18 years of age or older

c.c. Only men who can prove they are Only men who can prove they are Israeli citizensIsraeli citizens

d.d. Only those who were actually born Only those who were actually born in State of Israelin State of Israel

3. How often are elections for the 3. How often are elections for the national government held in Israel?national government held in Israel?

a.a. Elections are held every six yearsElections are held every six years

b.b. Party members are elected for lifeParty members are elected for life

c.c. Religious leaders can require new Religious leaders can require new elections whenever they like.elections whenever they like.

d.d. Elections are held every four years Elections are held every four years unless the ruling party calls for unless the ruling party calls for them to be held sooner.them to be held sooner.

4. Saudi Arabia is ruled by a 4. Saudi Arabia is ruled by a

a.a. KingKing

b.b. Popularly elected presidentPopularly elected president

c.c. Representative governmentRepresentative government

d.d. Group of leading religious leadersGroup of leading religious leaders

5. How long does a monarch rule?5. How long does a monarch rule?

a.a. One elected termOne elected term

b.b. A term of ten yearsA term of ten years

c.c. As long as parliament allows him to As long as parliament allows him to rulerule

d.d. Until he dies or chooses to give up Until he dies or chooses to give up powerpower

6. What role do the people play in a 6. What role do the people play in a government that is a monarchy like government that is a monarchy like that of Saudi Arabia?that of Saudi Arabia?

a.a. They have the power to vote a ruler They have the power to vote a ruler out of officeout of office

b.b. The people get to approve the laws The people get to approve the laws made by the ruler.made by the ruler.

c.c. They are guaranteed certain rights They are guaranteed certain rights by their written constitution.by their written constitution.

d.d. They have little influence, as the They have little influence, as the ruler makes most decisions.ruler makes most decisions.

7.7. What is Shariah law?What is Shariah law?

a.a. Laws made by the king aloneLaws made by the king alone

b.b. Laws based on parliamentary Laws based on parliamentary democracydemocracy

c.c. Laws based on the teachings of the Laws based on the teachings of the QuranQuran

d.d. Laws calling for a separation of Laws calling for a separation of church and statechurch and state

8. What is the definition of a 8. What is the definition of a “theocracy”?“theocracy”?

a.a. A government that sees God as the A government that sees God as the supreme rulersupreme ruler

b.b. A government that allows the A government that allows the people to choose the leaderspeople to choose the leaders

c.c. A system in which religious law and A system in which religious law and civil law are separatecivil law are separate

d.d. A system in which only religious A system in which only religious leaders are allowed to voteleaders are allowed to vote

9. Why is Iran sometimes called a 9. Why is Iran sometimes called a theocratic republic?theocratic republic?

a.a. Iran’s religious leaders make all the Iran’s religious leaders make all the laws for the countrylaws for the country

b.b. Religious leaders decide which Religious leaders decide which Iranian citizens can voteIranian citizens can vote

c.c. The people of Iran have no say in The people of Iran have no say in choosing their government leaderschoosing their government leaders

d.d. Iran’s government is led by both an Iran’s government is led by both an elected parliament and powerful elected parliament and powerful religious leadersreligious leaders

10. What is an Ayatollah?10. What is an Ayatollah?

a.a. A Christian priestA Christian priest

b.b. A Shia religious leaderA Shia religious leader

c.c. The title of a local governorThe title of a local governor

d.d. A leader of a Jewish congregationA leader of a Jewish congregation