2. • Iran is a Democratic Theocracy because it is ruled by religious
clerics, but also includes some characteristics of a democracy.
• The state of Iran is based on the Islamic Constitution of April-June
1989.
• Introduction in Islamic Constitution highlights significance of God,
Divine Justice, the Qur’an, the Day of Judgement, Muhammad, the
Twelve imams, the return of the Hidden Imam (Mahdi) and doctrine
of jurist’s guardianship.
• All laws and government affiliates and organizations must conform
to the principles in the introduction.
3. The Executive
• The Supreme Leader
• The President
• The Assembly of Experts
• The Guardian Council
• The Expediency Council
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3W4-
0w_Hzjs
4. The Supreme leader
• The Supreme Leader is the true ruler of Iran.
• Is currently Ayatollah Ali khamenei.
• Powers include mobilizing military, granting
amnesty, declaring war and peace, appointing
and dismissing leaders of the military,
nominating and dismissing chief judge, chief
prosecutor and lower court judges, and
nominating 6 clerics to Guardian Council,
6. The Supreme Leader
(continued)
• Appointed by the eighty-six member Assembly
of Experts.
• Is the bridge between the legislature, the
Executive and the Judiciary.
• Appoints the Expediency Council.
• Has obtained more Constitutional power that
the Shah.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmeUKh1u
1lA
7. The President
• The top position of the state under the Supreme
Leader.
• Is currently Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
• Handles treaties, laws and agreements.
• Propose legislation to the Majles.
• Appoint cabinet members (Minister of
Intelligence must be from the clergy).
• Appoint governors, ambassadors, and directors of
some large public organizations
8. The President
(continued)
• Serves up to two 4-year terms.
• Elected through a national election.
• Must be a faithful Shi’i and a follower of the
principles of the Islamic Republic.
• Between the ages of 25-75.
• Iranian origin.
• May select Vice Presidents, or “presidential
deputies” for assistance with duties.
10. The Assembly of Experts
• 86 members.
• Elected every 8 years.
• Members must have an advanced seminary
degree.
• Oversees work of the Supreme leader, and can
dismiss the Supreme leader.
• Meets at least once a year.
12. The Guardian Council
• 12 members.
• Six members elected by the Supreme Leader,
and six members elected by the Majles.
• 6 religious experts, and 6 professional jurist.
• Has the power to nterpret the Iranian
Constitution and implement the interperation
into Iranian politics, veto Parliamentary bill,
and review candidates to elected office,
including presidency and the Majles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gg6uAJ7h
jg
13. The Expediency Council
• Appointed by the Supreme Leader.
• Resolves conflicts between the Guardian
Council and the Majles (Legislature).
• That’s pretty much it.
16. Legislature
• Unicameral Islamic Consultative Assembly
(Majles).
• 290 seats.
• Members elected by popular vote to serve 4-year
terms.
• Includes 5 seats for religious minorities including
Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians in relation to
their population size.
• Majles have always included women and ethnic
minorities.
17. Legislature
(continued)
• Powers include:
• Drafting Legislation.
• Ratifying International treaties.
• Examining and approving annual budget.
• Investigating all national affairs.
• Removing cabinet ministers.
• Can recommend removal of the president to
the Supreme leader.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RnG2Rg5
N8E&feature=relmfu
19. Legislaiton
(continued)
• Majles have recently lost power.
• Can no longer investigate unelected
institutions, such as the Council of Guardians.
• Investigation of any institution under the
Supreme Leader ,such as the media must be
approved by…. The Supreme Leader.
• Guardian Council reviews any new law by the
Majles and decides whether the laws abide by
the Constitution and Islamic Law.
20. Judiciary
• The head of Judiciary is appointed by the Supreme
Leader, who then appoints the head of the Supreme
Court and the chief public prosecutor.
• Head of Judiciary is currently Sadeq Larijani.
• The High Council of Justice
• The Supreme Court
• Special Clerical Court
• Revolutionary Court
• Special Administrative Court
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4ApyfR3B
WI
22. High Council of Justice
• 5 members who serve 5-year, renewable terms.
• Includes the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court,
the Attorney General, and three clergy.
• Chief Justice of Supreme Court and the Attorney
General must both be members of clergy who
have demonstrated high aptitude in Islamic law.
• Three clergy members are appointed by religious
jurists.
23. Supreme Court
• Composition is based on laws drafted by the
High Council of Justice.
• Review decisions of lower courts to ensure
that these decisions conform to laws of Iran
and policies of the Judicial system.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-
zm177T2N0&feature=relmfu
24. Special Clerical Court, Revolutionary Court and Special
Administrative Court
• Clerical Court deals with crimes committed by
Clerics.
• Revolutionary Court deals with acts of
terrorism and crimes against national security.
• Special Administrative Court deals with
complaints from citizens against the
government.
