Cultural Revolution, Main Goal: – Cleanse society of secular and Western influence Education System: – Primary agent of Islamic socialization. Curricula at all school levels emphasized: – Religious Studies-- Islamic Revolution – Islamic culture-- Anti-western Universities closed from – Center of anti-regime activism – Reopened under the control of Islamic regime Purged universities of leftists and secularists. Successful or unsuccessful?

Iranian Government Constitution of 1979 – Written by the Assembly of Religious Experts – Ended Monarchy – Regime Change to a Theocracy “Velayat-e Faqih” (The Guardianship of the Jurist) – Traditional Shia term. – Religious leaders have authority over unfortunate people (widows, orphans, etc.) – Shiism traditionally shunned political involvement. – Khomeini, however, said that in the absence of the Hidden Imam, the clergy have religious AND political authority over the ENTIRE community.

Iranian System of Government

The Supreme Leader Head of state HOLDS ULTIMATE POWER Must be an ayatollah Appointed for LIFE by Assembly of Experts Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ( ) Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (1989-present)

The Supreme Leader: Head of State Faqih: Leading Islamic Jurist – Interprets sharia Supervises policy implementation Sets general guidelines of Iran Dismiss president Commander-in-Chief Appoints: – Head of Judiciary, Revolutionary Guard Commanders, Media Directors, Friday Prayer Leaders, The Expediency Council, & half of The Guardian Council (6 members)

Guardian Council 12 Members – 6 appointed by Supreme Leader (usually clerics) – 6 appointed by Head of Judiciary 6 year term Powers Veto legislation from Majles (violates Sharia) Vet candidates for all offices – 2012: 5,000 candidates registered for Parliamentary elections; 1/3 were disqualified. – 2009: 143 applied as candidates for president; 3 were approved.

Assembly of Religious Experts 86 members 8 year term Elected by the people Powers Select the Supreme Leader Can remove Supreme Leader

The Expediency Council 32 Members Appointed by Supreme Leader 3 year terms Powers Referees disputes between Majles and Guardian Council. Can initiate legislation Advisory body to Supreme Leader