Background

Since the beginning of the first Saudi state in the 18th century through the founding of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the late King Abdulaziz bin Abdelrahman Al-Saud on September 23, 1932, Shari'ah (Islamic law) has been the pillar and source of Saudi Arabia's basic system of government. It identifies the nature of the state and its goals and responsibilities, as well as the relationship between the government and its citizens.

Recognizing that his young nation would need to adapt to the changing times in order to thrive and prosper, King Abdulaziz built the foundation for a constitutional regime, thus establishing a modern government where once tribal rulers had reigned.

A royal decree in 1953 by his son King Saud established Saudi Arabia's Council of Ministers. During the 1950s and 1960s, twenty government ministries were founded. The Council of Ministers, in conjunction with the King, formed the executive and legislative branches of the government.

This was the first step taken towards formalizing the long-established Islamic system of popular consultation, which has always been practiced by Saudi rulers. In the Majlis, weekly meetings that are open to all, members of the general public can approach the King and leaders at the local, provincial and national levels to discuss issues and raise grievances.

Beginning in the early 1970s, Saudi Arabia launched highly successful five-year development plans to set up a modern physical, social and human infrastructure. The rapid modernization of Saudi Arabia led to a re-evaluation of the country's political and administrative system.

By the 1990s, just as had his father before him, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz felt the need to revitalize the existing political system. The primary goal was to streamline the system to deal with the requirements of the nation on the verge of the 21st century. Taking into consideration the Kingdom's role in the Islamic world as well as its traditions and social fabric, the changes were made in total adherence to the Islamic religion.

In 1992, King Fahd introduced a new Basic Law for the System of Government, and regulations for the Provincial System and Majlis Al-Shura (Consultative Council). The following year, he announced bylaws for the Council of Ministers System.

In October 2003, the cabinet approved procedures for the election of half of the members of the municipal councils, as a start towards greater participation of the citizens in the governing of their country.

In October 2006, the Allegiance Commission was established to formalize the royal succession and ensure a smooth transfer of power. Under the new system, the King nominates a Crown Prince, and the Allegiance Commission votes on the candidate. Previously, the King had the sole right to select the Crown Prince. The Commission members, who were appointed in December 2007, are all sons and grandsons of the late King Abdulaziz Al-Saud.