What are the politics of Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy, with a Basic Law, but no political parties, unions, or other types of political association.The country’s basic system of governance – an alternative to a constitution – was established in 1992, following numerous calls for political reform.
Is Saudia Arabia a theocratic state?
Theocratic rule was typical of early civilizations. The Enlightenment marked the end of theocracy in most Western countries. Contemporary examples of theocracies include Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the Vatican. See also church and state; sacred kingship.
What is the government structure of Saudi Arabia?
- The Office of the Prime Minister
- The General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers
- The Bureau of Experts
What are facts about Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia
- Introduction. Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to Islam's two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina.
- Geography
- People and Society. The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. ...
- Environment
- Government. [email protected]
- Economy. ...
- Energy. ...
- Communications
- Transportation
- Military and Security
When did Saudi Arabia start voting?
The government held its first-ever elections in 2005 and 2011, when Saudis went to the polls to elect municipal councilors. In December 2015, women were allowed to vote and stand as candidates for the first time in municipal council elections, with 19 women winning seats. After King SALMAN ascended to the throne in 2015, he placed the first next-generation prince, MUHAMMAD BIN NAYIF bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, in the line of succession as Crown Prince. He designated his son, MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, as the Deputy Crown Prince. In March 2015, Saudi Arabia led a coalition of 10 countries in a military campaign to restore the legitimate government of Yemen, which had been ousted by Huthi forces allied with former president ALI ABDULLAH al-Salih. The war in Yemen has drawn international criticism for civilian casualties and its effect on the country’s dire humanitarian situation. In December 2015, then Deputy Crown Prince MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN announced Saudi Arabia would lead a 34-nation Islamic Coalition to fight terrorism (it has since grown to 41 nations). In May 2017, Saudi Arabia inaugurated the Global Center for Combatting Extremist Ideology (also known as "Etidal") as part of its ongoing efforts to counter violent extremism. In June 2017, King SALMAN elevated MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN to Crown Prince.
What did the Saudi government cut?
In response, the government cut subsidies on water, electricity, and gasoline; reduced government employee compensation packages ; and announced limited new land taxes. In coordination with OPEC and some key non-OPEC countries, Saudi Arabia agreed cut oil output in early 2017 to regulate supply and help elevate global prices.
How many troops does Saudi Arabia have?
the Saudi military forces have about 225,000 active troops; approximately 125,000 under the Ministry of Defense (75,000 Land Forces; 14,000 Naval Forces; 36,000 Air Force/Air Defense/Strategic Missile Forces) and approximately 100,000 in the Saudi Arabia National Guard (SANG) (2020)#N#note: SANG also has an irregular force (Fowj), primarily Bedouin tribal volunteers, with a total strength of approximately 25,000 men
What is Saudi Arabia's economy?
Saudi Arabia has an oil-based economy with strong government controls over major economic activities. It possesses about 16% of the world's proven petroleum reserves, ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum, and plays a leading role in OPEC. The petroleum sector accounts for roughly 87% of budget revenues, 42% of GDP, and 90% of export earnings. ...
What is the oil industry in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has an oil-based economy with strong government controls over major economic activities. It possesses about 16% of the world's proven petroleum reserves, ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum, and plays a leading role in OPEC. The petroleum sector accounts for roughly 87% of budget revenues, 42% of GDP, and 90% of export earnings.
When was Saudi Arabia founded?
The modern Saudi state was founded in 1932 by ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman Al SAUD (Ibn Saud) after a 30-year campaign to unify most of the Arabian Peninsula. One of his male descendants rules the country today, as required by the country's 1992 Basic Law. Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Saudi Arabia accepted ...
Who is the Prince of Saudi Arabia?
In June 2017, King SALMAN elevated MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN to Crown Prince. The country remains a leading producer of oil and natural gas and holds about 16% of the world's proven oil reserves as of 2015. The government continues to pursue economic reform and diversification, particularly since Saudi Arabia's accession to the WTO in 2005, ...
What is the political system of Saudi Arabia?
The politics of Saudi Arabia takes place in the context of a totalitarian absolute monarchy with Islamist lines, where the King is both the head of state and government. Decisions are, to a large extent, made on the basis of consultation among the senior princes of the royal family and the religious establishment.
Who is the government of Saudi Arabia?
The government is dominated by the vast royal family, the Al Saud, which has often been divided by internal disputes and into factions. The members of the family are the principal political actors allowed by the government. Political participation outside the royal family is limited. Saudi Arabia is one of only two countries (the other being Vatican City) that does not have a separate legislative body .
What was the effect of the reign of King Saud?
King Saud (1953–1964) was considered incompetent and extravagant and his reign led to an economic and political crisis that resulted in his forced abdication.
Why are there fewer protests in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?
The lack of critical thought in the education system has been cited by some as the reason why fewer protests occurred in the Kingdom.
How many ministers does the King of Saudi Arabia have?
The king is also the prime minister and presides over the Council of Ministers (Majlis al-Wuzarāʾ), which comprises the first and second deputy prime ministers (usually the first and second in line to the throne respectively), 23 ministers with portfolio , and five ministers of state .
When did the Saudi elections take place?
Saudi Municipal elections took place in 2005 and some journalists saw this as a first tentative step towards the introduction of democratic processes in the Kingdom, including the legalization of political parties. Other analysts of the Saudi political scene were more skeptical. Islamist candidates, often businessmen, did well, but in practice had little real power. In 2009, promised new elections and hopes for female suffrage in them were postponed for at least two years.
When did Saudi Arabia start voting?
In February 2005, the first elections in Saudi Arabian history were held. The elections for "virtually powerless" municipal councils were for half the seats (half of each council's seats were appointed). Women were not allowed to stand for office or to vote.
What is the legal system of Saudi Arabia?
The legal system of Saudi Arabia is strictly based on the Islamic Shariah Laws. Shariah Courts spread all across the kingdom dispense justice by the Shariah Law which has severe punishments for crimes including amputations, public stoning, and public beheadings. However, with the rapidly-changing technological landscape, other laws have been formulated through royal decrees and are not encompassed by Shariah law including traffic violations. These laws make up the administrative law. The monarch is the highest judicial office and also has the authority on pardoning of law-offenders.
What is the basic law of Saudi Arabia?
The Basic Law is the primary written source of laws in Saudi Arabia which stipulates the instructions on how to run the government as well as outlining the rights and freedoms of citizens. The Basic Law is comprised of 83 articles and nine chapters. However, this document is subordinate to the Shariah laws ...
Which country has the highest executive, legislative, and judicial office?
Saudi Arabia is one of the few countries in the world which has an absolute monarchy system of government. The monarch is the highest executive, legislative, and judicial office and the King is the head of government and the head of state.
Who is the leader of the House of Saud?
The House of Saud has produced all Saudi kings since the establishment of the kingdom by Muhammad bin Saud in 1744. The King of Saudi Arabia is the leader of the House of Saud and wields supreme political authority in the kingdom. The King is also the head of state and head of government and has executive, legislative, and judicial powers.
What is the Consultative Assembly?
The Consultative Assembly is the official government advisory body which was established through a decree by King Abdul Aziz in 1926. The Consultative Assembly is mandated to draft and propose laws to the King. Also known as the Majlis al-Shura, The Consultative Assembly is composed of 150 members who are influential and experienced individuals drawn from all over Saudi Arabia and are appointed by the King. The Majlis al-Shura has established 13 committees specializing in specific areas of the economy including judicial affairs, youth affairs, security affairs, and financial affairs among others. The Consultative Council can be viewed as the legislature-equivalent of the kingdom with the council being granted membership in the International Parliamentary Union in 2003.
What is the primary source of Islamic law?
Islamic law, the Sharīʿah, is the primary source of legislation, but the actual promulgation of legislation and implementation of policy is often mitigated by more mundane factors, such as political expediency, the inner politics of the ruling family, and the influence of intertribal politics, which remain strong in the modern kingdom.
Does Saudi Arabia have a legal guardian?
Saudi Arabia has a legal system that requires all Saudi women to have a male legal guardian. The guardians have authority to make a number of decisions on behalf of women, similar to the authority a legal guardian has over a minor.
What are the three branches of government in Saudi Arabia?
Although the authority of the King remains undisputable and the King power is hereditary, one can distinguish between three branches of government in Saudi Arabia: legislative, executive, and judicial. The Consultative Council that consists of 150 members and allows women to be its member represents legislative branch.
How many ministries does the King of Saudi Arabia have?
King is the prime minister, chief of the state and commander in chief of the military in Saudi Arabia (Ziegler). The Cabinet consists of 22 ministries, the members of which are appointed by the King. Starting from 2009, women can be appointed to the minister’s position as well.
How many members did the King Fahd consultative council have?
In 1992 King Fahd offered the 61-member model of consultative council and specified their responsibilities (Metz), however, it was not until 2005 when the first Consultative Council of 150 members was formed by the King.
What is the judicial branch?
The judicial branch is subordinated to the Islamic Law and consists of three main parts: Courts of the First Instance, Courts of Cassation, and the Supreme Council of Justice (Ziegler). The Shari’ah courts process the majority of cases in the legal system. The Board of Grievances processes cases where government is involved.
When was Saudi Arabia founded?
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded in 1932 and until recently it remained an absolute monarchy. The king of the state did not have any limitations of power, such as parliament or laws.
Who appointed the jurists in Saudi Arabia?
The jurists are appointed by the King on the recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council (Ziegler). There is no constitution in our modern understanding in Saudi Arabia. Quran, the sacred book of Islam, is considered to be the constitution. Quran becomes the main source of the King’s authority and the sharia laws.
What is the main source of authority in the Quran?
Quran becomes the main source of the King’s authority and the sharia laws. The governmental structure presented above enhances and specifies the main provisions of Quran. In addition, the King addresses multiple regulations that deal with governmental matters.
Which country has a bicameral parliament?
consists of the House of Nationalities [Amyotha Hluttaw] Burundi. Burundi. bicameral Parliament or Parlement, consists of a Senate. Cambodia. Cambodia. consists of the Senate. Cameroon. Cameroon.
How many seats are in the House of Representatives?
unicameral House of Representatives (normally 65 seats; members are elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve five-year terms; note - the Parliament elected in 2008 is composed of 69 seats; when the political party winning the plurality of votes does not win a majority of seats, the constitution provides that a sufficient number of seats will be added to Parliament to ensure that the party that won the elections has a majority in Parliament)
What is the bicameral Congress?
bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the Senate or Senado. East Timor. East Timor. unicameral National Parliament (number of seats can vary from 52 to 65; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) Ecuador. Ecuador. unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional. Egypt. Egypt.
What is the unicameral assembly?
unicameral Assembly of the Republic or Assembleia da Republica. Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico. bicameral Legislative Assembly consists of the Senate (at least 27 seats; members directly elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and the House of Representatives.
How many seats are there in the bicameral Congress?
bicameral National Congress or Congresso Nacional consists of the Federal Senate or Senado Federal (81 seats; 3 members from each state and federal district elected according to the principle of majority to serve eight-year terms; one-third and two-thirds elected every four years, alternately) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara dos Deputados (513 seats; members are elected by proportional representation to serve four-year terms)
How many seats are there in the bicameral parliament in Jamaica?
Jamaica. Jamaica. bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (a 21-member body appointed by the governor general on the recommendations of the prime minister and the leader of the opposition; ruling party is allocated 13 seats, and the opposition is allocated 8 seats) and the House of Representatives. Japan.
What is the bicameral parliament in the Cook Islands?
Cook Islands. Cook Islands. bicameral Parliament consists of a House of Ariki, or upper house, made up of traditional leaders and a Legislative Assembly, or lower house,
Overview
Constitution
Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy, although, according to the Basic Law of Saudi Arabia adopted by royal decree in 1992, the king must comply with Sharia (that is, Islamic law) and the Qur'an. The Qur'an and the Sunnah are declared to be the country's constitution. There is no legally binding written constitution and the Qur'an and the Sunna remain subject to interpretation. This is carried out b…
Politics outside of the royal family
Politics in Saudi Arabia, outside the royal family, can be examined in three contexts: the extent to which the royal family allows political participation by the wider Saudi society, opposition to the regime, and Islamist terrorism.
Outside the House of Al Saud, participation in the political process is limited to a relatively small segment of the population and takes the form of the royal family consulting with the ulama, triba…
Regional government
The kingdom is divided into 13 regions (manāṭiq), which in turn are divided into numerous districts. Regional governors are appointed, usually from the royal family, and preside over one or more municipal councils, half of whose members are appointed and half elected. The governors are responsible for such functions as finance, health, education, agriculture, and municipalities. The consultative principle operates at all levels of government, including the government of villa…
Political reform
In March 1992, King Fahd issued several decrees outlining the basic statutes of government and codifying royal succession for the first time. The King's political reform program also provided for the establishment of a national Consultative Council, with appointed members having advisory powers to review and give advice on issues of public interest. It also outlined a framework for councils at the provincial or emirate level.
See also
• Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (Saudi Arabia)
• The Bees Army
External links
• Saudi National e-Government Portal
• Saudi Arabia Government at Curlie
• Carnegie Endowment, Arab Reform Bulletin: 'Saudi Arabia'
• Saudi Arabia Corruption Profile from the Business Anti-Corruption Portal