Iran Governance and Policymaking Flashcards

Flashcards to review the governance and policymaking structures in Iran, covering key institutions, figures, and societal aspects.

What type of republic is Iran?

A theocracy with democratic elements, highly centralized and unitary.

Who is the current Supreme Leader of Iran, and what are some of his key powers?

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei; he is chosen by clerics and has significant power over the three branches of government, the military, and decree issuance.

What is the role of the Guardian Council in Iran?

A 12-member council consisting of clerical and lay members that can veto legislation and vet candidates for various elections.

What is the Assembly of Religious Experts?

An 86-member assembly of religious experts.

What is the Expediency Council's function in Iran?

A 32-member council appointed by the Supreme Leader to settle disputes between the Majles and the Guardian Council and can originate legislation.

Who is the President of Iran, and what are the qualifications and powers of the office?

Hassan Rouhani; elected to a 4-year term with an 8-year consecutive term limit, selects VPs and council members.

What are the qualifications and powers of the Legislature (Majles) in Iran?

290 deputies elected to 4-year terms, with reserved seats for recognized religious minorities; they enact laws, appoint members of the Guardian Council, and investigate the executive branch.

What is the basis of the Iranian Judiciary, and how independent is it?

Based on Sharia law and Quanun; it is not independent, with the Supreme Leader appointing the head of the judiciary who then appoints judges.

What is the role of the regular army?

370,000; defends borders.

What are Bonyads (charity organizations) in Iran?

Tax-exempt organizations controlled by clerics and the Supreme Leader that control significant amounts of money, supervise property, and dominate sectors of the economy.

How does the Iranian Constitution address citizens' rights to organize and freedom of speech?

Citizens have the right to organize, but the government restricts speech and controls media through licensing and registration.

What is the religious composition of Iran?

Predominantly Shia Muslim (90%), with Sunni Muslims (10%) and small minorities of Jews and other religions.

What is the ethnic composition of Iran?

51% Persian, 24% Azeri, 8% Gilaki and Mazandarani, 7% Kurd, 3% Arab, and other ethnicities.

How does social class affect views on the Iranian regime?

Peasantry and lower middle class tend to support the regime, while the middle and upper middle classes are more secular and critical.

What are the main differences between Conservatives and Reformers in Iran?

Conservatives want to maintain clerical control, while Reformers want more secularization.

What is the status of women in the Iranian political system, including voting rights and educational opportunities?

Granted in 1963, can be admitted into universities (1937), and can be in legislation, but cannot be president.

What are some of the legal and social restrictions placed on women in Iran?

Equality with difference where divorce/custody laws favor men, required to wear scarves and long coats in public, and often need male relatives' consent to leave the country.