Politics of Saudi Arabia

The central institution of the Saudi political system is the absolute monarchy. This does not provide for separation of powers, as is common in democracies, in: The only reigning monarch, under Article 12, the obligation to strive for the unity of the nation, discord, turmoil and division keep, however: it can thus engage in the legislative and executive branches.

Basic law

The Basic Law adopted in 1992, stipulates that Saudi Arabia is a monarchy ruled by the male descendants of the king and the country's founder ibn Abd al- Aziz Saud. The constitution of the country, which is performed on the basis of Islamic law, the Sharia, the Quran. The abundance of power of the king is theoretically limited by the rules of Shariah and Saudi traditions. He must also preserve the consensus between the House of Saud ( the royal family ), religious leaders ( ulema ), and other major elements of Saudi society. The state religion is Islam in its Wahhabi severity. This version of Islam is gaining through the financial assistance of Saudi Arabia in the construction of mosques and madrassas all over the world are becoming increasingly important. The leading members of the royal family choose in the case of a vacancy the new king, with subsequent approval of the ulema from their midst.

System of government

The Kingdom consists of 13 provinces, which are ruled by princes or close relatives of the royal family. All provincial governors are appointed by the king.

Since the founding of the state, the Saudi kings have gradually established a centralized system of government. 1953 Council of Ministers was set up, whose members are appointed by the king, which they alone are responsible. This committee advises the King in defining the general political line and directs the activities of the growing administration. The Council of Ministers consists of the Prime Minister, the first and the second Deputy Prime Minister, 20 other ministers, of which the defense minister also holds the post of second deputy prime minister, two secretaries of state, as well as a small number of consultants and managers of large autonomous organizations. The ministerial posts are often awarded to members of the royal family.

Legislation

Laws are set by decision of the Council of Ministers and subsequent ratification by royal decree in force. You must be in line with the Sharia. As the legislative body of the king could act, but that has only advisory functions and therefore is virtually powerless.

In July 1997, the number of members of the advisory panel was increased from 60 to 90. In May 2001, then was yet another extension to 120 and in 2005 to 150 members. Since many of the old members were not re-appointed at the extensions, the composition of the committee has changed significantly. The role of the Council will also be extended in view of the growing experience of the body gradually. Political parties are banned.

Jurisdiction

Reforms

In March 1992, King Fahd issued several decrees in which the principles of the government system to be controlled. For the first time the procedure in line to the throne has been codified on this occasion. As part of the royal reform program at the same time a national advisory body was created whose members are appointed to advise the government on matters of public interest. Likewise, included in the reform program was a master plan for the condition corresponding advisory bodies at the provincial level.

In September 1993, King Fahd issued additional reform decrees, with which the members of a new advisory body have been appointed and that a business order was given. The King also announced the Ministers concerned reforms, which among other things, limiting the term of office for four years and also contained provisions to avoid conflicts of interest, the Minister and other senior official. The members of 13 provincial councils and the relevant rules of procedure, these were also announced in 1993.

Summary

Country name: Official form: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Short form: Saudi Arabia Long form in the national language: Al Mamlakah al Arabiyah as Suudiyah (Arabic: المملكة العربية السعودية ) Short form in the national language: Al Arabiyah as Suudiyah (Arabic: العربية السعودية )

National holiday: unification of the Kingdom, 23 September (1932 )

Constitution: governed on the basis of Sharia; The Basic Law, the rights and responsibilities of government are established, was introduced in 1993.

Legal system: based on Islamic law

Voting rights of citizens: none

Administration: Head of State: His Majesty ( and Prime Minister - the monarch is both head of state and head of government) Abdullah ibn Abd al - Aziz (since 1 August 2005) at the same time custodian of the two holy mosques

His Royal Highness Crown Prince and First Deputy Prime Minister Prince Salman ibn Abd al - Aziz ( half-brother of the king, heir to the throne since 2012 )

Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the king, and many members are also members of the royal family.

Legislative: An Advisory Board (150 members and a chairman, all of which are appointed by the King )

Political parties: Forbidden