Bahrain Political System Development

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the principles established in the Public Charter?

Economic closure

Single-party rule

Trade restrictions

Bicameral parliament (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a mission of the Constitutional Court?

Monitoring the constitutionality of laws

Linking pre-constitution and new constitution

Implementing fiscal policies (correct)

Ensuring safety legislation

What was the amount of Foreign Direct Investment reported in 2006?

$4 billion

$5 billion

$2 billion

$3 billion (correct)

What does the transition to a constitutional monarchy emphasize according to the principles outlined?

Historical heritage and stability Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is associated with the supervision of financial and administrative processes?

Transparency Signup and view all the answers

What significant political change occurred in Bahrain in 1975?

Chamber of deputies was dissolved Signup and view all the answers

Which institution was established in Bahrain to focus on petroleum?

Higher Council for Petroleum Signup and view all the answers

What was a main focus of the reform project initiated by King Hamad bin Isa?

Consolidation of the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

When was the first election for deputies held in Bahrain?

1973 Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of reform is associated with the involvement of citizens in nation building?

Public participation Signup and view all the answers

Which year marks the establishment of the Shura Council in Bahrain?

1992 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was not one of the goals outlined in the reform project?

Increasing military intervention Signup and view all the answers

What was established in Bahrain in 1998-1999?

Membership of the Security Council Signup and view all the answers

What was the aim of issuing the press law in Bahrain?

To promote independent journalism Signup and view all the answers

In which year was the formation of the Commission on Human Rights established?

1999 Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did King Hamad take to promote media freedom?

Encouraged the founding of the Journalists Association Signup and view all the answers

Which document outlines the right to express opinions for all citizens?

The National Action Charter Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the 2001 general amnesty issued by King Hamad?

To release political prisoners within Bahrain Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key roles of the Higher National Committee established in November 2000?

To oversee the creation of constitutional institutions Signup and view all the answers

What did Bahrain sign in 1999 to address issues related to human rights?

The Convention against Torture Signup and view all the answers

What major change did the Trade Unions Act 2002 bring about?

It improved the rights of workers to organize Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Development of the Political and Administrative System

Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman has been Prime Minister since 1971
The National Council law was issued in December 1971
The Chamber of Deputies was created with 22 members, 8 more appointed after independence
Bahrain's first constitution was in June 1973
The first election in Bahrain was in July 1973
Parliament dissolved in 1975 due to disputes
The Shura Council was formed in December 1992 with 40 members
Provincial law issued in Bahrain in June 1996
Bahrain joined the Security Council in 1998-1999
Gulf Petrochemicals established in 1979
Higher Council for Petroleum established in 1980
Health centers established in Bahrain in 1975
College of Health Sciences established in 1976
University of Bahrain established in 1986
Historical Documents Center established in 1978
Bahrain Studies Center established in 1981

Reform Project of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa

Overall Vision: Consolidation of the constitution, promoting judicial work, strengthening financial and administrative oversight, and involving civil society in development
Popular Participation: Promotes national unity by involving all citizens in nation-building
Cultural Specificity: Combines global cultural trends with Bahraini traditions
Gradual Reform: Addressing sudden political changes
Balance of Power: Distributing power between legislative, executive and judiciary entities

Public Freedoms and Human Rights

Public Freedoms and Political Openness: Promoting freedom of opinion and expression, while respecting religious and cultural norms
National Dialogue: Facilitating communication and general amnesty, abolishing the State Security Court
Role of the Press: Guaranteeing freedom of expression, press law and independence without prejudice to national unity
Human Rights: Amnesty for prisoners, opposing torture, involvement with human rights commissions
International Organizations: Membership of the United Nations, Trade unions
Promoting National Dialogue: Free thinking, amnesty for Homeland Security crimes, cancelling the State Security Court, open channels for conversation

Promoting National Dialogue

Leadership: Encourages free thinking and clarity
Amnesty: General amnesty for crimes relating to Homeland Security in 2001
Court Cancellation: Cancellation of the State Security Court
Conferences and Meetings: Holding conferences and discussions to promote democracy
Open Communication: Ensuring open channels using television, radio, press, presence of senior officials

Supporting Human Rights

Amnesty: Amnesty for political prisoners overseas in 1999
Convention Against Torture: Bahrain signed in 1999
Commission on Human Rights: Formation of the commission in 1999 to educate and support rights
General Amnesty: A general amnesty issued for political prisoners in 2001
United Nations Commission: A member of the UN Commission on Human Rights in 2001
Union Workers: Union workers law improved in 2002

Justice, Law, and Governance

Legal System: Bicamaral parliament, personal freedoms, economic openness
Financial and Administrative Supervision: High levels of management, increased production, discipline
Transparency and Public Funds: Public finance protection and financial control
Constitutional Monarchy: 2002 decision on the transition in Bahrain's history of monarchy and gradual change
Public Freedoms and Social Equality: Development of a responsive parliament, to reduce clashes and grant women equal political rights
Constitutional Principles and Judiciary Independence: Separation of powers as well as judiciary independence
Litigation Rights: Right to litigation under the law
Constitutional Court: Consisting of professionals, nine-year term limits with basic missions
Safety and Laws: Maintaining safety legislation, continuity of laws, pre and post-constitution links
Foreign Direct Investment: Foreign Investment totaled 3 billion dollars in 2006, a 21% increase

Future Vision

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2006 reached $3 billion and increased by 21%
Popular participation, democracy, and respect for human rights are mentioned
Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman received an urban development award in 2007

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Description

Explore the evolution of Bahrain's political and administrative framework from 1971 to recent reforms. This quiz covers key milestones, including the establishment of the parliament, various councils, and significant laws. Test your knowledge of Bahrain's governance and development through the years.