Saudi Arabia is a monarchy based on Islam. The government is headed by the King, who is also the commander in chief of the military. The King governs with the help of the Council of Ministers, also called the Cabinet, which is drawn from 22 government ministries.
The King is also advised by a legislative body called the Consultative Council. The Council proposes new laws and amends existing ones. It consists of 150 members, who are appointed by the King for four-year terms that can be renewed. The country is divided into 13 provinces, each with a governor and deputy governor. Each province has its own council that advises the governor and deals with the development of the province. Because Saudi Arabia is an Islamic state, its judicial system is based on Islamic law (Shari’ah), with the King acting as the highest court of appeal.