Comparative Politics: Nigeria and Iran

Flashcards reviewing the political systems of Nigeria and Iran, covering government structure, political freedoms, institutions, culture, and changes.

What type of republic is Nigeria?

Federal Republic

What is the structure of Nigeria's government?

Federal system with division of powers between the federal government and 36 states; President is head of state and government; Bicameral legislature (Senate and House of Representatives).

What are the major influences on Nigeria's political outcomes?

Ethnic and religious tensions, particularly between the Christian-majority south and the Muslim-majority north.

What are some challenges to governance in Nigeria?

Political corruption, ethnic violence, and Islamist insurgencies (like Boko Haram).

Who is the head of state and government in Nigeria?

The President

What are the two dominant political parties in Nigeria?

PDP and APC

What undermines the effectiveness and impartiality of Nigeria’s judiciary?

Corruption and political influence

What are some common issues in Nigeria's federal elections?

Violence, fraud, and ethnic/religious divisions

What shapes Nigeria's political culture profoundly?

Ethnic and religious identities, particularly the divide between the Nigerian north (largely Muslim) and south (mostly Christian).

What is endemic in Nigeria's political culture?

Corruption

What are some expressions of political participation in Nigeria?

Elections, protests (e.g., the #EndSARS movement), and civil society organizations.

What often divides Nigeria’s political parties?

Ethnic and religious identities

What system does Nigeria operate under for elections?

Federal system with first-past-the-post.

What limits the scope for activism in Nigeria?

Political corruption and state repression

What was a major outcome of Nigeria gaining independence in 1960?

Ethnic conflict and political instability, leading to military coups.

When did Nigeria transition to democracy under Olusegun Obasanjo?

1999

What is Nigeria’s economy heavily dependent on?

Oil exports

What type of regime does Iran have?

Hybrid Theocracy and Republic (Authoritarian)

Who holds the highest authority in Iran's government?

The Supreme Leader

What doctrine gives ultimate authority to Shia clerics in Iran?

Wilayat al-Faqih

What body approves candidates for elections in Iran?

The Guardian Council

What type of law is the judiciary in Iran based on?

Islamic law (Sharia)

What ensures that only candidates loyal to the Islamic regime can run for office in Iran?

Theocratic Vetting by the Guardian Council

What is Iranian political culture influenced by?

A blend of Islamic theocracy and republicanism.

What is emphasized in Iran's political culture?

Religious piety and loyalty to the Islamic establishment.

What is a significant division in Iranian political culture?

Between hardliners and reformists.

How are public protests and reform efforts typically met in Iran?

With heavy repression.

What is the role of the Guardian Council in Iran's party system?

To ensure that only candidates loyal to the theocratic regime are allowed to run for significant political offices.

What shapes civil society in Iran?

Islamic ideology.

What event dramatically changed Iran’s political landscape in 1979?

The Islamic Revolution

Who holds ultimate authority under Iran's theocratic governance?

The Supreme Leader

What has deeply impacted Iran's economy?

U.S. and UN sanctions

What event led to the nationalization of key industries in Iran?

The 1979 revolution