southwest asia (middle east) government/civics understandings

SOUTHWEST ASIA (Middle East)

Government/Civics Understandings

• Unitary Government System– Central government holds nearly all power– Local and state government have little power, but

they are under central government– May have elected officials, but those elected can

make laws without permission or opinion– Monarchy is good example (Saudi Arabia)

SS7CG4 – a. Describe the ways government systems distribute power: unitary, confederation, federal

• Confederation Government System– Local governments hold all power– Central government only has power that local

government gives it– OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting

Countries) and League of Arab States are examples


• Federal Government System– Power is shared among different

levels of government– Divided into national, state, and

local governments– Israel is an example


SS7CG4 – b. Explain how governments determine citizen participation: autocratic, oligarchic, and democratic.

• Autocratic Government– Ruler has absolute power to do whatever he

wishes and makes and enforces laws he chooses– Individuals have no rights to choose leaders or

vote– Saudi Arabia is example

• Oligarchy– “government by the few”– Political party or small group makes all major

decisions– Can be similar to autocratic– Syria and Iran are examples because small

religious and political leaders make decisions


• Democratic Government System– People play a much greater role– Great deal of power left in the hands of the

people– Must have rules, but as much freedom as possible– Decisions often made by majority vote– Israel is good example– Iraq is hoping to establish democracy


• Parliamentary Form of Democratic Government– Parliament (Legislative Branch) is

elected by the people and carries out (enforces) laws for the country– Prime Minister or Premier is head of executive

branch– Jordan is an example

SS7CG4 – c. Describe the two predominant forms of democratic governments: parliamentary and presidential.

• Presidential Form of Democratic Government– Also call congressional form of

government– President chosen separately

from the legislature– Legislature passes laws, and president enforces laws– One difference between a presidential and

parliamentary system is prime minister is member of parliament while president is separate branch

SS7CG4 – c. Describe the two predominant forms of democratic governments: parliamentary and presidential.

SS7CG5 – a. Compare the parliamentary democracy of the State of Israel, the monarchy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the theocracy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, distinguishing the form of leadership, and the role of the

citizen in terms of voting rights and personal freedoms.

• Israel– Parliamentary Democracy• People elect representatives from a group of different

political parties• Head of government usually leader of political party• Prime minister is leader• All over 18 can vote• Many laws influenced by Jewish law• Election every 4 years

• Saudi Arabia– Hereditary Monarchy• Government led by king from family that ruled for

generations• King has been member of al-Saud family since 1920’s• King, advisors (usually family), business and religious

leaders make laws• No constitution and king rules for life• Most laws influenced by Quran, Muslim holy book



• Iran– Theocracy• God is seen as true leader of government• Country’s religious leaders serve as political leaders• All over 16 can vote • Religious leaders often influence decisions of elected

officials• Iran is leading member of OPEC



southwest asia (middle east) government/civics understandings

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