Questions and Answers
In Iran, the concept of jurist guardianship states that senior _____ have authority over the entire community.
clerics
What defines a theocracy?
What is sharia?
Islamic law derived mostly from the Qur'an and the examples set by the Prophet Muhammad.
Who was Mahmoud Ahmadinejad?
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What is the Assembly of Experts?
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What title is given to scholars who have demonstrated advanced knowledge of Islamic law and religion in Shiite Islam?
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What is the Basij?
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What are bonyads?
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What is the function of the Expediency Council?
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What language is primarily spoken in Iran?
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What is the role of the Guardian Council?
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What is the Islamic Republic of Iran?
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Who is Ali Khamenei?
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What does Majlis refer to?
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Who was Reza Shah Pahlavi?
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What was Persia known as before 1935?
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What is the Revolutionary Guard?
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What is Shiism?
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What is the supreme leader's role in Iran?
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What are the characteristics of a theocracy?
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What was the White Revolution?
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What type of electoral system does the lower house use?
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What is an Ostan?
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What is the supreme court?
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Who is the chief justice?
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What is an authoritarian system?
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What does authority refer to in governance?
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What does bicameral mean?
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What is bureaucracy?
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What is a cabinet?
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What is capitalism?
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What is a charismatic leader?
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What is civil service?
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What is civil society?
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Study Notes
Key Terms and Concepts in Iranian Government
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Clerics
- Senior religious leaders in Iran with authority over the community under jurist guardianship.
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Theocracy
- A form of government where clergy dominate, ruling because they interpret God's will and law.
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Sharia
- Islamic law primarily based on the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad's teachings.
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Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
- Served as President of Iran from 2005 to 2013, emphasizing social justice and religious piety, with a confrontational stance towards the West.
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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.
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Ayatollah
- A title in Shiite Islam for scholars with advanced knowledge of Islamic law and religion.
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Basij
- Known as the "People's militia," it acts as a public morals police and was involved in conflict during the Iran-Iraq War.
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Bonyads
- Parastatal foundations that arose from nationalized assets following the Iranian Revolution.
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Expediency Council
- An appointed body that resolves disputes between the Majlis and the Guardian Council regarding legislation.
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Farsi
- The official language of Iran.
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Guardian Council
- An appointed group that oversees candidate eligibility and can veto legislation; made up of 12 members serving 6-year terms.
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Islamic Republic of Iran
- The designation for Iran since the revolution, indicating its theocratic nature.
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Khamenei, Ali
- The Supreme Leader of Iran since 1989, holding significant power over the state.
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Majlis
- The national legislature of Iran, responsible for passing laws.
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Pahlavi, Reza Shah
- Monarch of Iran from 1925 to 1941, known for modernizing efforts.
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Persia
- Historical name for Iran, used until 1935.
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Revolutionary Guard
- A paramilitary force dedicated to protecting the regime from internal and external threats.
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Shiism
- A minority branch of Islam, which differs from Sunnism primarily over leadership succession after the Prophet Muhammad.
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Supreme Leader
- The highest-ranking political and spiritual leader in Iran, holding ultimate authority.
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White Revolution
- A series of reforms initiated by Reza Shah starting in 1963 aimed at modernization and Westernization.
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Single-member and Multi-member District Majority
- Electoral system used for the lower house of Iran's legislature.
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Ostan
- The term for the main geographic divisions or provinces in Iran.
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Supreme Court
- The highest judicial authority in Iran.
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Chief Justice
- The top figure in the judiciary, appointed by the Supreme Leader, responsible for the judiciary's oversight.
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Authoritarian
- A governing system where power relies on authority rather than popular support, with decisions made by elites.
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Authority
- The legal entitlement to exercise power.
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Bicameral
- Describes a legislative assembly having two separate houses.
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Bureaucracy
- Organized public administration that implements political decisions.
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Cabinet
- A collective body of key ministers or secretaries of the executive branch that aids in decision-making.
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Capitalism
- An economic system characterized by private ownership and market-driven production.
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Charismatic Leader
- A leader who derives authority from their compelling personality.
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Civil Service
- Government employees tasked with developing and enacting policies.
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Civil Society
- The realm of voluntary organizations and associations that exist apart from government institutions.
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Description
Test your knowledge on key terms and concepts related to the Iranian government. This quiz covers topics such as theocracy, clerics, and significant political figures like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Enhance your understanding of Iran's unique political structure and its implications.