AP Comparative Government Iran

Majles Election of 2004, 2008

The first round of elections took place in 2004, but only after the Guardian Council banned thousands of candidates from running, resulting in conservatives candidates winning out; in 2008, conservatives held on to about 70% of the seats.

Khatami

(President from 1997-2005) Iranians experienced the so-called "Tehran spring" - a period of cautious political liberalization, with loosening of freedom of speech and press, a more open economy, and a friendlier stance towards the outside world. Reformist who aimed to end freeze in relations between Iran and the West. Believed in a "dialogue among civilizations" that fostered positive relationships with other countries.

Ahmadinejad

(Tehran Mayor; President from 2005-2013) Conservative who antagonized western countries, although he did not isolate himself from them; asserted theocratic values and appealed to Iranian nationalism to solidify his white (bloodless coup) of the reformists. When he became president, the government closed down newspapers, banned and censored books and websites, and did not tolerate the peaceful demonstrations and protests of the Khatami era.

Hidden Imam

12th descendant of Ali who disappeared as a child.

Assembly of Religious Experts

86 man assembly of clerics elected directly by the people every four years for 8 year terms; broad constitutional interpretation responsibility; selects the Supreme Leader; has the right to dismiss Supreme Leader; must have a seminary degree; candidates subject to approval by Guardian Council.

White Coup

A bloodless coup under Ahmadinejad, his assertion of theocratic values by appealing to Iranian nationalism

Reformers v. Conservatives

A fundamental cleavage in the political culture since the founding of the Republic. Conservatives: preserve clerics' power and sharia law, Reformers: secularization and democracy. Wide variety of opinions regarding the scope of reform

theocracy

A government ruled strictly by religion.

"Axis of Evil"

A group of nations accused by the Bush administration of sponsoring terrorism and threatening to develop weapons of mass destruction; Iran, Iraq, and North Korea.

Basij

A loosely organized military that is formally part of the Revolutionary Guard, and it gained international attention in the aftermath of the disputed presidential election of 2009, when opposition candidate, Mir-Hussein Moussavi, accused the Basij of brutality as it contained the demonstrations and admissed dissidents; means "mass mobilization" in Persian, and it dates back to the Iran-Iraq War.

Persian Empire

A major empire that expanded from the Iranian plateau to incorporate the Middle East from Egypt to India; flourished from around 550 to 330 B.C.E. Persian nationality shapes Iranian nationalism today, many cultural habits stayed even after the invasion of the Arabs.

Reza Shah

A military leader who became the shah of Persia under a new dynasty. Instituted many reforms to modernize Persia and centralize power. Overthrown in 1979

Zoroastrianism

A monotheistic pre-Islamic religion of ancient Persia founded by Zoroaster in the 6th century BC; state sponsored religion under Persia.

jurist's guardianship (velayat-e-faqih)

A principle that the Supreme Leader and Guardian Council wield, making sure that the democratic bodies adhere to Islamic beliefs and laws.

imams

According to Shi'ism, rulers who could trace descent from the successors of Ali; true heirs of Islam.

Mir-Hossein

An Iranian reformist politician who served as the fifth and last prime minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran from 1981 to 1989 and was a candidate for the 2009 presidential election - and his loss/the fraudulent election caused large protests; aka leader of the green movement.

(Ayatollah) Khomeini

An Iranian religious leader and politician, and leader of the Iranian Revolution which saw the overthrow of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Following the revolution and a national referendum, Khomeini became the country's Supreme Leader—a position created in the constitution as the highest ranking political and religious authority of the nation—until his death. Charismatic, personified the union of political and religious interests from ancient days.

Workers' House

An important interest group for factory workers that operates with the help of its affiliated newspaper; it has a political party (Islamic Labor Party). This is rare; few interest groups have formed for business since businesses have been crowded out since 1979

Which of the following has the power to remove the Supreme Leader from office? a. Guardian Council b. Expediency Council c. Assembly of Religious Experts d. Majles

Assembly of Religious Experts

Which of the following are elected to office by directly popular vote in Iran? a. Guardian Council and the Assembly of Religious Experts b. Assembly of Religious Experts and the Majles c. Expediency Council and the Guardian Council d. supreme leader and the Majles

Assembly of Religious Experts and the Majles

"Economics is for Donkeys"

Ayatollah Khomeini stated this, disdaining the importance of economics for policymakers and affirming the superiority of religious, rather than secular leaders.

The 20th century leader of Iran who best personified the union of political and religious interests from ancient days was a. Reza Shah b. Muhammad Reza Shah c. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini d. Muhammad Khatami

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini

Import Substitution Industrialization (ISI)

Based on the premise that a country should attempt to reduce its foreign dependency through local production, this is a strategy for industrialization based on domestic manufacture of previously imported goods to satisfy domestic market demands; trade and economic policy which advocates replacing foreign imports with domestic production.

Which of the following countries did NOT have a major internal revolution in the 20th century? a. Iran b. Britain c. China D. Mexico

Britain

Constitutional Revolution of 1905-09

British imperialism and increasing Iranian debt encouraged this. The revolution began with business owners and bankers demonstrating against the Qajars' move to hand over their customs collections to Europeans. In 1906, merchants and local industrialists affected by British liberalism demanded a written constitution from the shah. Included such democratic features as direct elections, separation of powers, laws made by an elected legislature, popular sovereignty, and a Bill of Rights. Created Majles, Guardian Council

Which of the following is a mismatch between country and ethnic minority group? a. Iran/Azeri b. Russia/Chechen c. China/Han d. Mexico/Amerindian

China/Han

Qom

City south of Tehran. Conflicts among the clerics in the seminaries there through their interpretations of the true meaning of jurist's guardianship.

The most important document that legitimizes the state today is the a. Constitution of 1906 b. Constitution of 1979 c. Retribution Law d. Qanun

Constitution of 1979

(Ayatollah) Ali Khamenei

Current Supreme Leader An Iranian politician, cleric and the figurehead of the conservative establishment in Iran, has been the Supreme Leader of Iran since 1989 and was president of Iran from 1981 to 1989. Successor of Khomeini, not as charismatic or educated.

Supreme Leader

Currently Ali Khamenei Chosen by the Assembly of Religious Experts; can be removed by the Assembly of Religious Experts (never been done); serves as the head of state; leading interpreter of Shari'a Law; most powerful office in Iran; can limit presidential candidates and has the authority to overrule the president, is the commander-in-chief of the military, can declare war, appoints administrators and judges at all government levels (head of judiciary), chooses half of the Guardian Council, and appoints the heads of the state-owned enterprises.

Fundamentalism

Emphasized literal interpretation of Islamic texts, social conservatism, and political traditionalism. Khomeini defended this.

Revolutionary Guards

Established by Ayatollah Khomeini. An elite military force whose commanders are appointed by the supreme leader. Protects the Republic.

Revolution of 1979

Events involving overthrow of Iran's monarchy and its replacement with an Islamic republic under Ayatollah Khomeini, the leader of the revolution

The government position/organization that has had the power to veto legislation passed by the Majles since 1906 is the a. Supreme Leader b. Guardian Council c. Assembly of Religious Experts d. Expediency Council

Guardian Council

White Revolution

In 1962, the Shah's attempt to quiet the people from rebelling for economic and and political reform: creates land reform, profit, sharing, literacy corp instead of army and women's right to vote

In which of the following countries does the military currently take an active role in policymaking? a. Russia and China b. Iran and China c. Mexico and Russia d. Iran and Mexico

Iran and China

Sharia Law

Islamic law; meant to embody a vision of a community in which all Muslims are brothers and sisters and subscribe to the same moral values. Supersedes all other types of law; its interpretation is the most important of all responsibilities for political and religious leaders.

Mosaddeq

Leader of the National Front who advocated for nationalizing the British-owned company that monopolized Iran's oil business, and he also wanted to take the armed forces out from under the shah's control. Elected Iranian prime minister in 1951, forced shah to flee the country in 1953, U.S. overthrew him.

Sunni Muslims

Majority of the Muslims; believe successor of Muhammad can be an elected caliph (minority in Iran).

Safavid Empire

Modern Iran traces its Shiite identity to this empire that began in the 16th century. By the mid-17th century, they had succeeded in converting nearly 90% of their subjects to Shiism. Ruled from Isfahan, most of their were Persian scribes. Serious economic problems (broken trade routes, lack of arable land) affected the ability to rule - no money for large bureaucracy or military. Claimed absolute power, but lacked a central state and had to seek the cooperation of semi-independent local leaders.

People of the Book

Monotheistic people who subjected their lives to holy books similar to the Qur'an.

Constitution of 1979

Most important document that legitimizes the state today; written during the last months of Ayatollah Khomeini's life; forty amendments; highly complex mixture of theocracy and democracy; preamble reflects the importance of religion for the legitimacy of the state, affirming faith in God, Divine Justice, the Qur'an, the Prophet Muhammud, the Twelve Imams, and the eventual return of the Hidden Imam.

qanun

No sacred basis; body of statutes made by legislative bodies; passed by the Majles; law made by the people's elected representatives. Cannot contradict sharia, Majles must pass responsible qanun.

Cultural Revolution

Once the constitution was endorsed in 1979, the Shia leaders launched this with goals similar to Mao Zedong's goals as he led China's Cultural Revolution in 1966. Aimed to purify the country from the shah's regime, but also from secular values and behaviors, particularly those with western origins. The universities were cleared of liberals and staffed with faculty who supported the new regime. The new government suppressed all opposition, including almost all groups from civil society.

Shiism

One of the two main branches of Islam. Shiites recognize Ali, the fourth caliph, and his descendants as rightful rulers of the Islamic world; practiced in the Safavid empire. The branch of Islam that regards Ali as the legitimate successor to Mohammed and rejects the first three caliphs; established as the state religion in the 16th century Ismail, the founder of the Safavid Empire.

Equality-with-difference

Policy toward women, meaning divorce and custody laws follow Islamic standards that favor males, women must wear scarves and long coats in public, cannot leave country without consent of male relatives, stoning for adultery, allowed education and entrance to occupations.

Baha'i

Religion founded by Baha'ullah who declared himself as a prophet of God/the promised one. Teachings: World peace through unity of all religions, live a simple life, dedication to serving others. This faith is seen by Shiites as an unholy offshoot of Islam and has been subject to religious persecution.

Guardian Council

Represents theocratic principles, consists of twelve male clerics. Six are appointed by supreme leader, other six nominated by chief judge and approved by Majles; bills passed by the Majles are reviewed by the GC to ensure that they conform to sharia, and the council has the power to decide who can compete in elections. Supreme Leader and GC exercise principle of jurist's guardianship.

Rafsanjani

Second president of Iran after the 1979 Revolution. Tried in vain to gain a third Presidential term in 2005. Centrist, pragmatic conservative, free market; credited with much of Iran's reconstruction after the Iran-Iraq war. Lost the 2005 election to Ahmadinejad because he could not organize the reformist vote behind him.

Muhammad Reza Shah

Son of Reza Shah, became Shah of Iran in 1941. Supported the overthrow of Mosaddiq in the 1953 coup. Was a strong proponent of Western based economic and social reform, announcing the White Revolution reforms in 1963. He was viewed as a vehicle for Western influence and in 1975 he ended the two-party system and instituted a one-party authoritarian state.

Statists v. Free-Marketers

Statists: the government should take an active role in controlling the economy (redistributing land and wealth, eliminating unemployment, placing price ceilings) Free-marketers: remove price controls, lower business taxes, encourage private enterprise, and balance the budget

The second largest religious group in Iran today is a. Shiite Muslims b. Christian c. Jews d. Sunni Muslims

Sunni Muslims

Which figure in the Iranian political system is the leading jurist who has the final say in interpreting the meaning of religious documents? a. Chief judge of the Supreme Court b. President c. Supreme Leader d. Speaker of the Majles

Supreme Leader

Head of State

Supreme Leader (Ali Khamenei)

Pahlavi Foundation

Tax-exempt, patronage system that controlled large companies that fed the pocketbooks of the shah and his supporters.

Majles

The Iranian parliament, from the Arabic term for "assembly." Unicameral legislature; 290 deputies, 4 year terms. SMD. Not a rubberstamp; can enact/change laws with approval of Guardian Council; investigate and remove cabinet members; approve budget, cabinet appointments, treaties; appoint 1/2 of Guardian Council from list from chief judge.

Secularization

The belief that religion and government should be separated.

faqih

The leading Islamic jurist to interpret the meaning of religious documents and sharia, Islamic law. Constitutional power given to the Supreme Leader.

Pahlavis

The ruling dynasty of Iran from 1925-1979. During this time Iran experienced political secularization, the Majles lost power, and the government became more authoritarian. ("King of Kings", "shah in shah"). Khomeini reversed the secularization.

Which of the following is the most accurate description of the Revolutionary Guards? a. They form a supra constitutional body that can initiate legislation on its own b. They are the top advisers to the Supreme Leader c. They have special powers in applying the principle of jurist's guardianship d. They form a parallel force to the regular armed forces with its own budgets, weapons and uniforms

They form a parallel force to the regular armed forces with its own budgets, weapons and uniforms

Qajar Empire

Turkish group; moved the capital to Tehran and retained Shiism as the official state religion; Shia clerical leaders could claim to be the main interpreters of Islam (did not tie legitimacy to faith or being descendants of the Twelve Imams), so the separation between government and religion widened; conflict with Britain and Qajars encouraged the Constitutional Revolution.

Which of the following is not a power of the Iranian president? a. Devising the budget b. Proposing legislation to the Majles c. Signing of treaties, laws, and agreements d. Vetoing decisions of the Guardian Council

Vetoing decisions of the Guardian Council

Which of the following is the best description of women's involvement in national politics in Iran? a. Women are much better represented in the legislature than they once were b. Iran has had women cabinet members and legislators for many years c. Iran has had women judges that sit on national courts, but they have few women legislators d. Women are largely underrepresented in every area of government in Iran

Women are largely underrepresented in every area of government in Iran

Which of the following is least likely to be a cleric? a. Supreme Leader b. President c. a member of the Guardian Council d. a member of the Majles

a member of the Majles

Iran's Revolution of 1979 was different from 20th-century revolutions in Russia, China, and Mexico because it resulted in a. a theocracy b. a change in regime type c. a democratic government structure d. a highly centralized government

a theocracy

Which of the following characteristics have shaped the political cultures of Russia, China, Mexico, and Iran? a. authoritarianism b. Shiism c. union of political and religious authority d. little arable land

authoritarianism

Which of the following is a political power held by both the Iranian president and the British prime minister? a. leading the ruling political party b. commanding the armed forces c. appointing judges d. devising the budget

devising the budget

The political party system in Iran may best be characterized as a. fluid and unstable b. well-established and competitive c. controlled tightly by the reformists d. competitive between two broad-based parties

fluid and unstable

An important cultural characteristic that separates Iran from most of its near neighbors is its a. history of authoritarian hereditary rule b. identity as Shiite rather than Sunni c. identity as Arab rather than Persian d. reliance on Sharia law

identity as Shiite rather than Sunni

Iran was turned into a rentier state during the 20th century because of a. increasing debt to European countries b. increasing income from oil c. expensive wars with neighboring countries d. lack of economic expertise among its top leaders

increasing income from oil

According to the theory, the Iranian revolution of 1979 was sparked when a. the Shah lost the support of most Iranians b. the Ayatollah Khomeini returned to Iran c. oil prices dropped and consumer prices rose d. secularism threatened to replace religious fundamentalism

oil prices dropped and consumer prices rose

According to the theory of the revolution of rising expectations, revolutions tend to occur when a. people have rising expectations of satisfaction that are generally fulfilled but something occurs that interrupts the pattern and their expectations are no longer fulfilled

people have rising expectations of satisfaction that are generally fulfilled but something occurs that interrupts the pattern and their expectations are no longer fulfilled

revolution of rising expectations

political discontent is generally fueled if the crisis is preceded by a period of relative improvement in the standard of living.

Which of the following socioeconomic groups has been most likely to criticize clerical control of the Islamic Republic? a. poor farmers b. lower-middle-class white collar workers c. wealthy merchants d. professional upper-middle-class people

professional upper-middle-class people

Fundamentalist religion as defined by the Ayatollah Khomeini was characterized by all of the following EXCEPT a. social conservatism b. separation of political and religious power c. literal interpretation of Islamic texts d. resentment of the U.S. and other western nations

separation of political and religious power

In Iran the ultimate legal authority rests in a. sharia law b. qanun c. the Constitution of 1979 d. the Supreme Court

sharia law

presidential election of 2005, 2009

the Guardian Council disqualified about 1000 candidates, leaving only 7 to run; in 2005 the first round left two candidates: Akbar Hasemi Rafsanjani and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, with Ahmadinejad securing the vote; in 2009, the Iranian reform movement attempted to rally behind one candidate (Mousavi), though Ahmadinejad won again, resulting in protesting against election fraud. Charges of voter fraud continues after the fact, and the legitimacy of the regime was shaken to its core - most profoundly by those who questioned the authority of the Supreme Leader.

Which of the following is/are NOT appointed by Iran's supreme leader? a. half of the members of the Guardian Council b. members of the Expediency Council c. the head of the Judiciary d. the President

the President

Iran's political system is unique in that it combines democratic characteristics with a. authoritarian ones b. theocratic ones c. confederal ones d. corporatist ones

theocratic ones

Iran's Revolution of 1979 was similar to China's Revolution in 1949 in that they both a. resulted in democracy b. led quickly to economic improvement c. were led by charismatic leaders d. resulted in the overthrow of a democracy

were led by charismatic leaders

Rentier State

A country that obtains much of its revenue from the export of oil or other natural resources; dependent on oil wealth for state revenues rather than their citizens.

Head of Government

President (Hassan Rouhani)