Basic Law of Saudi Arabia
The 1992 basic law codifying absolute monarchy in Islamic terms.
Overview
Issued by royal decree in March 1992, the Basic Law of Governance is not a constitution in the popular sovereignty sense, since the Quran and Sunna are declared the constitution of the kingdom. It defines the state as a monarchy ruled by the sons and grandsons of Abdulaziz ibn Saud, creates a Consultative Council with appointed members, and states that governance follows justice, consultation, and equality under Islamic law. Rights protections are framed within sharia. It was amended in 2017 to strengthen the crown prince selection process. Its primary function is to formalize succession and administration rather than to limit royal power.
Related Topics
Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Approved by referendum in December 1979 after the revolution, and revised in 1989, the Iranian Constitution fuses republican insti...
Constitution of Egypt (2014)
Approved by referendum in January 2014 after the removal of President Morsi, Egypts constitution extended presidential terms to fo...
Constitution of Iraq (2005)
Ratified by referendum in October 2005, the Iraqi Constitution created a federal parliamentary system with a semi autonomous Kurdi...
Constitution of Lebanon
Promulgated May 23, 1926 under the French mandate, the Lebanese Constitution established a parliamentary republic, but its lived c...