Government

Saudi Arabia is a monarchy ruled by a king from the Al Saud royal family. Under three royal decrees of 1992, called "The Basic Law of Government," the Qur’an, the Muslim holy book, and the Sunnah, the example of the words and practices of Muhammad are considered to be the constitution. These two texts constitute the Shari`ah. Religious scholars, or the ulama are responsible for the interpretation of the Shari`ah and see that the Saudi laws abide to it. The royal decree also declares that the king holds executive and legislative powers, and serves as prime minister as well as appoints his cabinet, the Council of Ministers. The cabinet enacts all laws. The king also appoints a 150-member consultative council, which advises the cabinet and may propose new laws and review existing ones. It is headed by a chairman. All changes to Saudi law need the approval of the monarch. Most of the important positions in the government are held by members of the royal family. The king is also the leader of the spiritual affairs of the country, and holds the title of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the two mosques being the Great Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina.

For administrative purposes, the country is divided into 13 provinces, headed by governors who are appointed by the king. The provinces have councils made up of government officials, as well as royally appointed members. There are no written laws in Saudi Arabia. The nation's court system is based on Islamic law, and court rulings are dependent on the manner in which each individual qadi (judge) interprets the Shari’ah.. Civil and criminal cases are all handled by a system of religious courts, presided over by one or more judges, and having no jury. There is also a court of appeals, though the king acts as the final court of appeal. The king also issues royal decrees that deal with matters which do not fall under the Shari’ah, such as commercial and traffic regulations. This, he does with leaders of the local government acting as judges. There are also some specialized committees that hear some of these cases. Government decisions, however, may be appealed to a Board of Grievances, though the board is responsible to the king and Council of Ministers.

The Saudi Arabian defense force consists of the Saudi army, navy, air force, and air defense forces. All military service is voluntary, and women do not serve. There is also a National Gurad that handles internal security. Modern military equipment and training is provided to Saudi Arabia by the United States.