Naval bases are located at Riyadh, Jiddah, Yanbu, Jubail, Dammam, Ras al Ghar, and Ras al Mishab. It was not until March 1992 that King Fahd issued a royal decree establishing Saudi Arabia's first Constitution and the long-awaited Consultative Council. The King is chosen by direct male ascension. Cabinet decisions are reached by majority vote subject to royal sanction. The King also consults with lower advisory councils whose members are nominated or approved by him.
Legislation is passed by royal decree.
The right to petition the King directly is a well-established tradition. There is no legislature, although a 60-member Consultative Council was formed in March 1992 to advise the Cabinet on economic and social policies, interpret laws, and review international treaties. Council members are prominent citizens appointed by the King for 4-year terms. The King appoints members of the independent judiciary, which is headed by an 11-member Supreme Council of Justice that reviews legal matters referred to it by the Justice Minister. The Supreme Council passes sentences of death, cutting, and stoning for criminal offenses.