Key Terms in Iranian Government

Key Terms and Concepts in Iranian Government

• Clerics

  • Senior religious leaders in Iran with authority over the community under jurist guardianship.

• Theocracy

  • A form of government where clergy dominate, ruling because they interpret God's will and law.

• Sharia

  • Islamic law primarily based on the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad's teachings.

• Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

  • Served as President of Iran from 2005 to 2013, emphasizing social justice and religious piety, with a confrontational stance towards the West.

• Assembly of Experts

  • An elected body of 86 men who choose the Supreme Leader, serving 8-year terms; its future influence is unclear after Khamenei’s tenure.

• Ayatollah

  • A title in Shiite Islam for scholars with advanced knowledge of Islamic law and religion.

• Basij

  • Known as the "People's militia," it acts as a public morals police and was involved in conflict during the Iran-Iraq War.

• Bonyads

  • Parastatal foundations that arose from nationalized assets following the Iranian Revolution.

• Expediency Council

  • An appointed body that resolves disputes between the Majlis and the Guardian Council regarding legislation.

• Farsi

  • The official language of Iran.

• Guardian Council

  • An appointed group that oversees candidate eligibility and can veto legislation; made up of 12 members serving 6-year terms.

• Islamic Republic of Iran

  • The designation for Iran since the revolution, indicating its theocratic nature.

• Khamenei, Ali

  • The Supreme Leader of Iran since 1989, holding significant power over the state.

• Majlis

  • The national legislature of Iran, responsible for passing laws.

• Pahlavi, Reza Shah

  • Monarch of Iran from 1925 to 1941, known for modernizing efforts.

• Persia

  • Historical name for Iran, used until 1935.

• Revolutionary Guard

  • A paramilitary force dedicated to protecting the regime from internal and external threats.

• Shiism

  • A minority branch of Islam, which differs from Sunnism primarily over leadership succession after the Prophet Muhammad.

• Supreme Leader

  • The highest-ranking political and spiritual leader in Iran, holding ultimate authority.

• White Revolution

  • A series of reforms initiated by Reza Shah starting in 1963 aimed at modernization and Westernization.

• Single-member and Multi-member District Majority

  • Electoral system used for the lower house of Iran's legislature.

• Ostan

  • The term for the main geographic divisions or provinces in Iran.

• Supreme Court

  • The highest judicial authority in Iran.

• Chief Justice

  • The top figure in the judiciary, appointed by the Supreme Leader, responsible for the judiciary's oversight.

• Authoritarian

  • A governing system where power relies on authority rather than popular support, with decisions made by elites.

• Authority

  • The legal entitlement to exercise power.

• Bicameral

  • Describes a legislative assembly having two separate houses.

• Bureaucracy

  • Organized public administration that implements political decisions.

• Cabinet

  • A collective body of key ministers or secretaries of the executive branch that aids in decision-making.

• Capitalism

  • An economic system characterized by private ownership and market-driven production.

• Charismatic Leader

  • A leader who derives authority from their compelling personality.

• Civil Service

  • Government employees tasked with developing and enacting policies.

• Civil Society

  • The realm of voluntary organizations and associations that exist apart from government institutions.