Political Institutions and Ebrahim Raisi: The Rise to Power in an Authoritarian Theocracy

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to political institutions and the rise of Ebrahim Raisi in Iran, focusing on governance structures, key historical figures, and legal systems.

National People's Congress

The largest parliamentary body in the world, according to the Chinese constitution.

Authoritarian Theocracy

A system of government ruled by religious leaders, often with limited power for the legislature.

Ebrahim Raisi

The current president of Iran, known for his hard-line conservative views and role in the Iranian judiciary.

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini

The charismatic religious leader who consolidated power after the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

Supreme Leader

The most powerful government official in Iran, with ultimate authority over the state.

Shia Islam

A branch of Islam predominantly followed in Iran, believing only direct descendants of the Prophet Mohammed can lead.

Coalition Government

A government formed by two or more parties agreeing to work together to achieve a majority.

Vote of No Confidence

A parliamentary vote to remove a government from power, typically the prime minister and cabinet.

Impeachment

The process of removing a president from office before the end of his or her term.

Judiciary

The system of courts that interprets the law and applies it to individual cases.

Unicameral Legislature

A legislature with a single chamber, which can pass legislation quickly but may lack extensive debate.

Bureaucracy

A large set of unelected officials who implement the laws and policies of a government.

Common Law

A legal system in which judges make decisions based on precedents from previous cases.

Code Law

A legal system where judges follow the law as written by the legislature, not relying on precedents.

Term Limits

Restrictions on the number of terms an executive may serve, aimed at preventing the consolidation of power.

Legislative Oversight

The ability of the legislature to oversee and check the actions of the executive branch.

Semi-Presidential System

A system that divides executive power between a directly elected president and a prime minister.