COMP GOV - IRAN

What makes Iran’s government unique?

It is the world’s only theocratic republic, combining theocracy with democratic elements.

What is the main ideological struggle in Iran’s development?

The conflict between tradition and modernization.

Why has Iran historically been vulnerable to invasions?

It is located at the crossroads of Central Asia, Asia Minor, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Caucasus Mountains.

How does Iran’s geography affect agriculture?

Much of Iran’s territory is inhospitable to agriculture.

How large is Iran compared to France?

It is three times the size of France.

Where does most of Iran’s population live?

67% of the population lives on just 27% of the land.

What is the primary ethnic and linguistic identity of Iran?

Iran is a Persian country, not Arab, with 58% of the population speaking Farsi (Persian).

What is the dominant religious sect in Iran?

89% of Iranians are Shi’a Muslims.

What is a major demographic characteristic of Iran’s population?

Iran has a large young population, with 23% under 13 and a median age of 33.

How has Iran’s birthrate changed in recent years?

The birthrate has slowed.

What do Sunnis believe about leadership in Islam?

Leadership should be chosen by the community based on piety, wisdom, and competence.

Who do Shi’a Muslims believe should lead the Islamic community?

Leadership should be based on direct bloodlines to Muhammad, continuing to the Twelfth Imam.

Where is Shi’a Islam the majority?

Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, and possibly Lebanon.

What religious policy did the Safavid Dynasty (1501-1722) enforce?

They forcibly converted their subjects to Shi’ism.

What was the role of Imams in the Safavid Dynasty?

Safavid rulers claimed to be descendants of the 12 Imams.

What was the religious policy of the Qajar Dynasty (1794-1925)?

They declared Shi’ism the state religion and gave clerics the power to interpret laws.

What was the Constitutional Revolution (1905-1909)?

A movement that led to the 1906 Constitution, introducing direct elections, separation of powers, and a legislature.

What power did the legislature have under the 1906 Constitution?

It had strong authority, including control over cabinet members.

What was retained from previous rule in the 1906 Constitution?

Shi’ism remained the official religion, and clerics retained some authority.

How did Reza Shah come to power?

He carried out a coup d’état in 1921 and named himself 'Shah-in-Shah' in 1925.

What did Reza Shah do to Iran’s name?

He changed it from Persia to Iran.

Who was Muhammad Reza Shah?

The son of Reza Shah, who took power in 1941 and established the secret police, SAVAK.

Who was Muhammad Mosaddeq?

Leader of the National Front, advocating for Iranian nationalism and oil nationalization.

What led to the 1953 coup?

Britain and the U.S. overthrew Mosaddeq after he nationalized British oil interests.

What is a rentier state?

A state that derives significant revenue from foreign sources, such as oil exports.

What was the White Revolution?

Muhammad Reza Shah’s reform program that included land redistribution, women’s rights, and secularization.

What economic factors triggered the 1979 Revolution?

Oil prices dropped 10%, while consumer prices rose 20%.

Who was the charismatic leader of the revolution?

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

What happened in April 1979?

A referendum abolished the monarchy and established an Islamic Republic.

What is Jurist’s Guardianship?

The idea that senior clerics should have ultimate authority over Iran.

What was the significance of the 1979 Hostage Crisis?

Strengthened Khomeini’s control and worsened U.S.-Iran relations.

What was Iran’s Cultural Revolution?

A campaign to remove Western influences and secularism from Iran’s institutions.

What has defined Iranian politics since Khomeini’s death in 1989?

A struggle between conservative hard-liners and reformist liberals.

What was the Tehran Spring?

A period under President Khatami (1997-2005) marked by attempts at liberal reform.

What was the Green Movement?

A political protest movement in 2009 demanding election transparency.

What are the two main groups in Iran’s government?

Theocratic institutions (Supreme Leader, Guardian Council) and elected officials (President, Majlis).

Who is the most powerful political figure in Iran?

The Supreme Leader.

What power does the Guardian Council have?

They can veto legislation and vet candidates for office.

What is the role of the President?

Head of Government, oversees domestic affairs, and presents the budget.

How is the Majlis elected?

Through direct elections with a two-round voting system.

What is the role of the Revolutionary Guards?

Protect the republic and control strategic weapons.

What is the function of Bonyads?

Tax-exempt charitable organizations that control large portions of the economy.