| A | B |
|---|
| unitary government system | The central government holds nearly all of the power. Saudi Arabia, a monarchy is an example. |
| confederation government system | Local governments hold all of the power and the central government depends on the local governments. No government in SW Asia has this system. |
| federal government system | Power is shared among different levels of government. Israel is an example. |
| autocratic government | The ruler has absolute power to make and enforce whatever laws he chooses. Many different kinds of this government and people have little or no power. Saudi Arabia an example where king has ultimate power |
| oligarchy | government by the few. A small group or political party takes over the government. Iran is an example. |
| democratic government system | People play a greater role in deciding who rules and what decisions are made. Israel is an example. |
| parliamentary form of democratic government | People vote for reps for the Parliament or legislative body which makes and enforces the laws for the country. The leader is the Prime Minister or Premier and answers to Parliament. Israel is an example. |
| presidential form of democratic government | Congressional government where the President is chosen separately from the congress or legislature. Congress makes laws and the President enforces them. No example in SW Asia. |
| hereditary monarchy | The government is led by a king coming from a family who has ruled for several generations. Saudi Arabia is an example. |
| theocracy | A government in which God is seen as the true leader of the gov't and religious leaders serve as political leaders. Iran is an example. |
