Introduction
Iran is unique in the AP Comparative Government and Politics course. It is the only theocratic republic studied, meaning its system fuses religious authority with republican institutions. Iran’s political system does not fit into the typical democratic-authoritarian spectrum; instead, it blends Islamic law (Sharia) with elements of popular sovereignty, such as elections and a legislature.
Understanding Iran means examining how Islamic principles shape politics, how the Supreme Leader exercises power above all institutions, and how political reform movements coexist with authoritarian control.
1. Historical Background: From Monarchy to Islamic Republic
a. Qajar and Pahlavi Dynasties
- Iran was ruled by monarchs (Shahs) for centuries.
- The Qajar dynasty (1794–1925) was replaced by Reza Shah Pahlavi, who initiated modernization and secular reforms.
- His son, Mohammad Reza Shah, continued this path but faced growing dissent for authoritarianism, Westernization, and suppression of Islamic culture.
b. 1979 Islamic Revolution
- Led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the revolution overthrew the monarchy and established the Islamic Republic of Iran.
- The revolution was driven by:
- Public discontent with inequality and repression
- Islamic opposition to Western influence and secularism
- Support from traditional clergy, students, and the urban poor
- Result: A new constitution was adopted in 1979, establishing a hybrid system combining theocracy with republicanism.
2. Core Principles of the Islamic Republic
- The Iranian constitution proclaims Allah as the sovereign and places all political authority under Islamic law.
- Iran’s system is based on the concept of Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist)—developed by Khomeini.
- This theory holds that in the absence of the infallible Imam, a senior Islamic jurist should rule to guide society.
3. Supreme Leader: The Center of Power
- The Supreme Leader is the most powerful position in Iran.
- He is not elected by the people but chosen by the Assembly of Experts—an elected clerical body.
Powers of the Supreme Leader:
- Commander-in-chief of the military
- Appoints heads of judiciary, media, mosques, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
- Confirms presidential elections and dismisses the president if necessary
- Controls foreign policy and nuclear negotiations
The current Supreme Leader is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in office since 1989.
4. The President and the Executive Branch
- The President of Iran is directly elected by the people every four years.
- The President is the second-highest official in the country—but his power is limited by the Supreme Leader.
Presidential Responsibilities:
- Heads the executive bureaucracy
- Manages economic policy and budget
- Appoints cabinet ministers
- Represents Iran in international affairs
Recent presidents include:
- Mohammad Khatami (reformist, 1997–2005)
- Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (hardliner, 2005–2013)
- Hassan Rouhani (moderate, 2013–2021)
- Ebrahim Raisi (current president; conservative, close to the Supreme Leader)
5. Guardian Council and Checks on Elected Power
The Guardian Council is a powerful unelected body tasked with protecting the Islamic nature of the regime.
Composition:
- 12 members:
- 6 appointed by the Supreme Leader
- 6 nominated by the judiciary and approved by Parliament
Functions:
- Vets all political candidates, including for president and Parliament
- Approves or rejects legislation passed by the legislature based on compatibility with Islam and the constitution
This body has been instrumental in disqualifying reformist candidates and limiting electoral competition.
6. Other Key Institutions
a. Assembly of Experts
- 88 clerics elected by the public for 8-year terms.
- Tasked with choosing and supervising the Supreme Leader.
- Though theoretically powerful, in practice it rarely challenges the leadership.
b. Expediency Council
- Created to resolve disputes between the Guardian Council and Parliament.
- Also acts as an advisory body to the Supreme Leader.
c. Revolutionary Guard (IRGC)
- A powerful paramilitary force independent of the regular army.
- Controls economic enterprises, intelligence services, and foreign military operations.
- Plays a growing role in both politics and the economy.
7. The Legislature: Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majles)
The Majles is Iran’s unicameral legislature. Although it is elected and passes laws, its power is limited by unelected bodies, especially the Guardian Council.
Structure:
- 290 members elected every four years.
- Uses a two-round voting system with district-based representation.
- Candidates must be approved by the Guardian Council.
Powers:
- Approves laws, budget, and treaties.
- Questions cabinet ministers.
- Can remove ministers through a vote of no confidence.
While the Majles has grown more assertive at times, its decisions can be overridden or rejected by the Guardian Council.
8. Elections and Political Participation
Iran holds regular elections, but not all candidates are allowed to compete.
a. Candidate Vetting
- The Guardian Council screens candidates, often disqualifying reformists, women, and critics.
- This reduces political pluralism and limits citizen choice.
b. Voter Turnout
- Participation rates are generally high, especially in presidential elections.
- However, boycotts and apathy have increased in response to growing repression.
c. Factions in Politics
- Iran does not have strong formal parties but operates through factional alignments:
- Reformists: Favor greater openness and global engagement.
- Principlists: Conservative clerics and military figures supporting strict Islamic governance.
9. Civil Society, Media, and Freedom of Expression
Iran has a vibrant and active population, but the state keeps a tight grip on public discourse.
a. Media
- The government controls major broadcast outlets and censors internet access.
- Journalists are arrested or harassed for critical reporting.
- Social media is filtered; platforms like Twitter and YouTube are banned (but widely accessed via VPNs).
b. Protest and Repression
- Iran has witnessed mass protests, such as:
- Green Movement (2009): Against a disputed presidential election.
- Protests in 2019: Triggered by fuel price hikes.
- Mahsa Amini protests (2022–2023): Sparked by the death of a woman detained for improper hijab.
- Protests are often met with internet blackouts, mass arrests, and violence.
10. Women’s Rights and Social Cleavages
a. Status of Women
- Women can vote and run for office but face discrimination in law and society.
- Must adhere to compulsory dress codes.
- Female participation in education is high, but economic and political access is limited.
b. Religious and Ethnic Minorities
- Iran is a Shia Muslim state, but minorities like Sunnis, Baha’is, Jews, Christians, and Kurds face legal and societal limitations.
- Religious minorities are officially recognized but excluded from power and often targeted by security forces.
11. Foreign Policy and International Relations
Iran’s foreign policy reflects both ideological commitments and national security interests.
a. Relations with the West
- Tense relations with the United States since the 1979 hostage crisis.
- The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or nuclear deal (2015) aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanction relief—later withdrawn by the U.S. in 2018.
b. Regional Influence
- Iran backs Shia militias and political groups in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.
- Often positioned as a counterweight to Saudi Arabia and Israeli influence.
c. Sanctions and Economy
- Economic hardship is driven by:
- International sanctions
- Currency devaluation
- Reliance on oil exports
Despite sanctions, Iran maintains regional power through soft and hard influence, often via the Revolutionary Guard’s foreign operations.
12. Summary Table: Key Features of Iran’s Political System
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type of Regime | Theocratic Republic with elected and unelected institutions |
| Supreme Leader | Highest authority; controls military, judiciary, and media |
| President | Elected head of government; subordinate to Supreme Leader |
| Legislature | Majles; elected but laws subject to Guardian Council approval |
| Guardian Council | Unelected body; screens candidates and laws |
| Elections | Regular but not fully free or competitive |
| Judiciary | Religious in orientation; not fully independent |
| Civil Liberties | Restricted; protest, media, and speech face censorship and surveillance |
| Foreign Policy | Assertive in region; tense with West; subject to global sanctions |
Final Note
It is our belief here at Ingenium IQ that students deserve more than just materials summarizing their textbooks. For this reason, we have checked and reviewed many studying websites to pick out the most useful tool for AP Government and Politics.
After doing plenty of research, Noble Learners proved to be the superior choice for personal AP tutoring. Their teachers have the knowledge and know-how to discuss Iran as a global case with the help of real-life connections and exercises. Students at Noble Learners are assisted with personal guides and well-defined strategies for different kinds of questions.
To book a free trial session or learn more about how Noble Learners can support your academic goals, visit:
https://noblelearners.in/
Or alternatively, you can go directly to the AP Gov section:
https://noblelearners.in/ap-comparative-government-and-politics-tutor/
Apart from this, Noble Learners also provides tutoring for all other subjects related to the US Curriculum. To explore more, visit:
https://noblelearners.in/online-tutor-from-india-to-usa/