Legacy of Authoritarianism Shi’ism was not recognized until 6 th century as official “state religion” –Declared in 1501 –Separated them from the Sunni’s Safavifs managed to create: the First modern Iranian nation-state 1722 overthrown by Afghans Rise and fall of number of dynasty’s Pahlavi dynasty: Shah

A Theocracy 1979 introduced Islamic Republic of Iran –New constitution –Head of State: religious figure –Head of Government: president Theocracy and dysfunctional political system

A Theocracy Rare and tends not to last Khomeini devised the system called: velayat-e faqih: principle of political power –Faqih: serves for life –Jurist means a legal scholar steeped in Islamic religious law. –The Faqih: “Spiritual Guide” Uses Qu’ran and Islamic Commentaries to decide all issues Everything is connected to religion

First Faqih. Khomeini dies in 1989 –Nearly “all powerful” –Successor (“the Leader”) is chosen by the Assembly of Experts 86 Muslim clerics Elected every 8years Among the purest and most learned Islamic Jurist Islam permits no women religious leader A Theocracy

Branches of Government: Executive President –Elected by receiving an absolute majority of the votes –Two 4 years terms –Term limit of eight years –“The holder of the highest official power next to the office of the faqih” –He is second in power

Chooses members of the Cabinet Introduces legislation to parliament Entrusted with the task to uphold the constitution Coordinates government decisions Powers are “cut off” Executive power is caught between president and supreme leader Executive

Supreme Leader Most powerful political leader Has authority to –overrule the president –dismiss the president –Appoint the head of judiciary –Appoints half the members of the Guardian Council –Appoints the top of the echelons in the military All in the name of the Islamic State

Process was changed after 1989 Qualifications changed from highest ranking Shi’ite cleric to whomever was an est. member of the clergy Lead to a smooth transition of power Current Ayatollah Ali Khamenei –Lacks charisma but is very powerful Supreme Leader

Council of Guardians 12 member council Veto power of the legislation process Operated like the Upper house of parliament Right to determine who can run for office –Local –Presidential –Parliamentary –Assembly of Religious Experts elections

6 clerical members –Appointed by Supreme Leader –Considered the conformity of legislation to Islamic principles 6 members (lawyers) –Recommended by head of Judiciary –Approved by parliament –Voted on constitutionality of legislation Each member serves 6 year terms Council of Guardians

Assembly Of Religious Experts: Majles-e Khebregan 86 male members Drafted the 1979 revolution Charged with evaluating the performance of the Supreme Leader Popularly elected –Consist mainly of clerics –Must pass examination on religious knowledge to be eligible

Parliament: Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majles) Unicameral Elected by voters Serve two 4 years terms

Executive President Muhammad Khatami