Comparative Politics: Iran

Vocabulary flashcards about Iranian politics.

Unitary State

A state where the central government holds the primary authority and local officials have limited power.

Iranian Military

Actively participates in policymaking, unlike the Chinese military.

Presidents in Iran and Mexico

Directly elected by the people.

Ethnic Groups in Iran - Sunni Muslims

Kurds and Arabs

Iranian Political System

A unitary state with few signs of real authority granted to local officials.

Feature of Iranian Political System

A military active in policymaking.

Major Geographical Limitation of Iran

Much of the land is either desert or mountains.

Characteristics Shaping Political Cultures of Russia, China, Mexico, and Iran

Authoritarianism

Iran's Revolution of 1979

Almost completely based on religion.

Constitution of 1979

Put more emphasis on divinely inspired clerical rule compared to Constitution of 1909.

Representation of Women in Iranian Legislature

Seriously under-represented.

Representation of Women in Iran

University enrollment.

Political Party System in Iran

Factional splits.

Statutes with No Sacred Basis (Iran)

Ganun

Ultimate Legal Authority in Iran

The Supreme Leader

Cultural Characteristic Separating Iran

Identity as Shiite rather than Sunni.

Rentier State (Iran under Pahlavis)

Reliance on income from oil.

Jurist's Guardianship

Expanding it to give the clergy authority over the entire Shia community.

Radical Clerics Support

State-provided welfare benefits to the poor.

Civil Society Expansion (Iran)

When Muhammad Khatami was president.

Elected by Direct Popular Vote (Iran)

Assembly of Religious Experts and the Majles

Political Parties in Iran and Russia

around prominent political leaders/personalities

Expediency Council Purpose

Refereeing disputes between the Guardian Council and the Majles

Political Power Held by Iranian President and British Prime Minister

Devising the budget

Ultimate Legal Authority in Iran

Sharia

Policymaking Faction Supporting Active Government Role

Statists

Elections in Mexico and Iran

Both have direct elections for president.

Nuclear Agreement in 2015

Iran will never be allowed to enrich uranium to the level necessary for creating a nuclear weapon.