COMP GOV - IRAN

Q: What makes Iran’s government unique?
A: It is the world’s only theocratic republic, combining theocracy with democratic elements.
Q: What is the main ideological struggle in Iran’s development?
A: The conflict between tradition and modernization.

Q: Why has Iran historically been vulnerable to invasions?
A: It is located at the crossroads of Central Asia, Asia Minor, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Caucasus Mountains.
Q: How does Iran’s geography affect agriculture?
A: Much of Iran’s territory is inhospitable to agriculture.
Q: How large is Iran compared to France?
A: It is three times the size of France.

Q: Where does most of Iran’s population live?
A: 67% of the population lives on just 27% of the land.
Q: What is the primary ethnic and linguistic identity of Iran?
A: Iran is a Persian country, not Arab, with 58% of the population speaking Farsi (Persian).
Q: What is the dominant religious sect in Iran?
A: 89% of Iranians are Shi’a Muslims.
Q: What is a major demographic characteristic of Iran’s population?
A: Iran has a large young population, with 23% under 13 and a median age of 33.
Q: How has Iran’s birthrate changed in recent years?
A: The birthrate has slowed.

Q: What do Sunnis believe about leadership in Islam?
A: Leadership should be chosen by the community based on piety, wisdom, and competence.
Q: Who do Shi’a Muslims believe should lead the Islamic community?
A: Leadership should be based on direct bloodlines to Muhammad, continuing to the Twelfth Imam.
Q: Where is Shi’a Islam the majority?
A: Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, and possibly Lebanon.

Q: What religious policy did the Safavid Dynasty (1501-1722) enforce?
A: They forcibly converted their subjects to Shi’ism.
Q: What was the role of Imams in the Safavid Dynasty?
A: Safavid rulers claimed to be descendants of the 12 Imams.
Q: What was the religious policy of the Qajar Dynasty (1794-1925)?
A: They declared Shi’ism the state religion and gave clerics the power to interpret laws.

Q: What was the Constitutional Revolution (1905-1909)?
A: A movement that led to the 1906 Constitution, introducing direct elections, separation of powers, and a legislature.
Q: What power did the legislature have under the 1906 Constitution?
A: It had strong authority, including control over cabinet members.
Q: What was retained from previous rule in the 1906 Constitution?
A: Shi’ism remained the official religion, and clerics retained some authority.

Q: How did Reza Shah come to power?
A: He carried out a coup d’état in 1921 and named himself “Shah-in-Shah” in 1925.
Q: What did Reza Shah do to Iran’s name?
A: He changed it from Persia to Iran.
Q: Who was Muhammad Reza Shah?
A: The son of Reza Shah, who took power in 1941 and established the secret police, SAVAK.

Q: Who was Muhammad Mosaddeq?
A: Leader of the National Front, advocating for Iranian nationalism and oil nationalization.
Q: What led to the 1953 coup?
A: Britain and the U.S. overthrew Mosaddeq after he nationalized British oil interests.

Q: What is a rentier state?
A: A state that derives significant revenue from foreign sources, such as oil exports.
Q: What was the White Revolution?
A: Muhammad Reza Shah’s reform program that included land redistribution, women’s rights, and secularization.

Q: What economic factors triggered the 1979 Revolution?
A: Oil prices dropped 10%, while consumer prices rose 20%.
Q: Who was the charismatic leader of the revolution?
A: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
Q: What happened in April 1979?
A: A referendum abolished the monarchy and established an Islamic Republic.

Q: What is Jurist’s Guardianship?
A: The idea that senior clerics should have ultimate authority over Iran.
Q: What was the significance of the 1979 Hostage Crisis?
A: Strengthened Khomeini’s control and worsened U.S.-Iran relations.
Q: What was Iran’s Cultural Revolution?
A: A campaign to remove Western influences and secularism from Iran’s institutions.

Q: What has defined Iranian politics since Khomeini’s death in 1989?
A: A struggle between conservative hard-liners and reformist liberals.
Q: What was the Tehran Spring?
A: A period under President Khatami (1997-2005) marked by attempts at liberal reform.
Q: What was the Green Movement?
A: A political protest movement in 2009 demanding election transparency.

Q: What are the two main groups in Iran’s government?
A: Theocratic institutions (Supreme Leader, Guardian Council) and elected officials (President, Majlis).
Q: Who is the most powerful political figure in Iran?
A: The Supreme Leader.
Q: What power does the Guardian Council have?
A: They can veto legislation and vet candidates for office.
Q: What is the role of the President?
A: Head of Government, oversees domestic affairs, and presents the budget.
Q: How is the Majlis elected?
A: Through direct elections with a two-round voting system.
Q: What is the role of the Revolutionary Guards?
A: Protect the republic and control strategic weapons.
Q: What is the function of Bonyads?
A: Tax-exempt charitable organizations that control large portions of the economy.