AP COGO - Study Set 2/6/26

Conservative/Hardliner

Those who support strict Islamic rule, government control over society and media, and maintaining traditional revolutionary values.

Favor strong authority from the Supreme Leader and limited Western influence.

Reformer

Support gradual political and social change within the Islamic Republic.

Favors expanding personal freedoms, improving relations with Western countries, and reducing government restrictions.

Majles

Iran's national legislative body and parliament, which is responsible for making and passing laws.

Elected by the public every 4 years, approved by the Guardian Council.

Can summon and impeach ministers or the president.

Guardian Council

An influential 12-member body that oversees Iranian legislation and elections.

6 appointed by the supreme leader, 6 appointed by the chief justice.

Reviews laws passed by the Majles to ensure they follow Islamic law and the constitution.

Expediency Council

A judicial body that settles disagreements between the Majles and the Guardian Council.

Appointed by the Supreme Leader, they advise them on policy decisions.

President

Currently, Masoud Pezeshkian.

Head of government and directly elected every 4 years, limited to 2 terms.

Focuses on budget, foreign policy, bureaucracy, domestic programs, and economic policy.

Supreme Leader

The most influential and powerful authority in Iran. Currently, Ayatollah Khamenei.

Head of state and commander in chief. controls the military, judiciary, state media, and major policy decisions.

Approves presidential election results.

Appointed by the Assembly of Experts.

Appoint the expediency council, 6 members of the Guardian Council, and the chief justice.

Islamic/Sharia Law

Based on Islamic religious teaching, influencing criminal law, family law, dress codes, and social behavior.

Use of law to justify political authority and social restrictions.

Acts such as same-sex relations, adultery, and alcohol are viewed as insulting the prophet and are punishable by death.

Supreme Court

Review legislation and legal decisions to ensure that laws are applied correctly and follow Islamic laws. Often oversees lower courts.

Assembly of Religious Experts

88 members, mostly clerics who are elected by the public.

Choose the Supreme Leader and have the power to remove the Supreme Leader.

Approved by the Guardian Council.

Shia v Sunni Muslim

Shia Muslim - Leader should be based on bloodline to Muhammad, the largest religious cleavage, shapes Iran's government and religious structure, "more conservative Islam".

Sinnu Muslim - Leader should be chosen by the community, any religiously educated person can rule, still majority religion, but not as influential as the Shia.