AP Gov Iran

Theocracy

Government run by religious leaders.

Ulemas/Ayatollahs

Religious scholars of Islam.

Jurist Guardianship

Belief that religious leaders know what’s best for the public.

Regime Change

The Islamic Revolution of 1979 created the Islamic Republic.

Authoritarian State

Lack of political freedoms, civil rights, and liberties.

Unitary in Structure

Keeps power centralized in the hands of theocracy.

Dual Executive

Consists of Head of State (Supreme Leader) and Head of Government (President).

Supreme Leader

Chosen by the Assembly of Religious Experts; sets the political agenda.

Guardian Council

12 members that veto bills and vet candidates for public office.

Assembly of Religious Experts

88 members elected by the people to evaluate the Supreme Leader.

Expediency Council

39 members chosen by the Supreme Leader to mediate disputes.

Majles

290-seat unicameral legislature elected through plurality elections.

Sharia Law

Islamic law based on the Quran and other religious texts.

Quanan Law

Man-made law by the Majles that cannot conflict with Sharia.

Concept of Blood Money

Compensation for wrongful death or injury under Islamic law.

Revolutionary Guard

Domestic military force protecting the Islamic regime's values.

Civil Society in Iran

Highly limited, with religion as a key aspect.

Green Revolution 2009

Protests against the re-election of Ahmadinejad.

Hijab Protests

Protests by women against strict hijab laws.

Basij

Volunteer morality police seeking to uphold conservative values.

Energy Based Economy

Iran is a major oil and gas producing state.

Rentier State

Economy heavily dependent on oil revenues.

OPEC Member State

Part of a coalition that regulates oil production and prices.

Healthcare Challenges

Issues related to population growth and health policies.

Nuclear Program

Source of national pride, raising concerns about nuclear weapons.

2015 Nuclear Deal

Diplomatic agreement with the US that lifted some economic sanctions.