Welcome to Social Studies! Today’s EQ: What are some different types of government found in the Middle East?

Islamic Republic of Iran Form of Government: Theocratic Republic since its independence on April 1, 1979. A theocracy is a government ruled by religious leaders according to religious law. 3 Branches of Government:

1. Executive Branch: Head of Government – Ayatollah: title given to Shia religious leaders. Chief of State – Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hoseini-Khamenei (appointed for life), is Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, controls the military intelligence and security operations; and has the only power to declare war and remove the president. Head of Government – President Mahmud Ahmadi-Nejad (elected to 4-year term), appoints and supervises the Council of Ministers, coordinates government decisions, oversees economic policy and national affairs, and selects government policies to be placed before the legislature. First Vice President – Parviz Davudi

3 Bodies of the Executive Branch Assembly of Experts – a group of 86 clerics (clergy) elected to 8-year terms. The Assembly appoints and removes the “Supreme Leader” (highest level of clergyman) who yields significant power in the country. Expediency Council – has supervisory authority over the executive, judicial, and legislative branches. It resolves legislative issues and advises religious leaders on national policy. Council of Guardians of the Constitution – determines whether proposed legislation is both constitutional and faithful to Islamic law, chooses suitable candidates, and supervises national elections.

2. Legislative Branch: Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majles) Their Job Make laws can summon or impeach ministers or the president, and also drafts legislation and approves the national budget. Members 290 seats, members elected by popular vote, serve 4 year terms Constitution – The Constitution of Iran is written following the codes of Islam and the laws of Iran are Islamic law. Founded December 1979 Revised in 1989 – expanded powers of the presidency and eliminated the prime minister.

3. Judicial Branch: Legal System Based on Shari’a law system (Islamic law). Supreme Court and the High Council of the Judiciary Have a single head and overlapping responsibilities. Supervises the enforcement of all laws Establish judicial and legal policies Lower Courts Includes a special clerical (religious) court, a revolutionary court and a special administrative court

Role of the Citizen Suffrage – the right to vote at age 15. Personal Freedoms All people of Iran enjoy equal rights The formation of parties, societies, political or professional associations, as well as religious societies is permitted provided they do not violate the principles of independence, freedom, national unity, the criteria of Islam To provide every citizen with the opportunity to work To benefit from social security and free-education All citizens have the right to access the court Publications and the press have freedom of expression except when it is detrimental to the fundamental principles of Islam or the rights of the public.

Now, you be the judge: We will break into small groups and you will be the interpreter of the laws… In your groups: Read each article and decide what it means. Be sure to point out anything that doesn’t make sense or that is different from our country/laws. Be ready to read and present your findings to the class.

Closing: Name three rights or privileges that we enjoy here in the United States, but the peoples of Iran may not have.