Saudi Arabia is ruled by a hereditary king and the people have no role in electing or changing their rulers. The main features of this type of government:
(i) The king selects the legislature, the executive and also appoints the judges and can change any of their decisions.
(ii) Citizens cannot form political parties or any political organisations.
(iii) Media cannot report anything that the monarch does not like.
(iv) There is no freedom of religion. Every citizen is required to be Muslim. Non-Muslim residents can follow their religion in private, but not in public.
(v) Women are subjected to many public restrictions. The testimony of one man is considered equal to that of two women.