UK - Political Systems & Institutions
What type of regime does the United Kingdom have?
The UK is a democracy with a constitutional monarchy.
What is the name of the legislative group of Iran?
The Majlis
Explain the UK's uncodified constitution.
There is not a single, authoritative document that establishes the powers and functions of government. Instead there is a collection of documents, statutes, and political practices that have evolved over time.
Describe how Iran elects their president
Two-ballot system (top 2 of first round go on to a second round majority vote)
What kind of legitimacy does Iran rely on that UK does not?
Charismatic Legitimacy
Who is the head of state in the UK?
The monarch
What two kinds of law does Iran's judiciary use?
Sharia law and Code law. The head of the judiciary is appointed by the Supreme Leader
The coalition of 2010 resulted in a coalition government between which two parties?
Conservative and Liberal Democrats
Which group has the power to vet potential presidential candidates and veto legislation?
The Guardian Council
Both the UK and Iran use what tool to allow the public to directly vote on legislation?
Referendums - Iran used a referendum to confirm Khomeini's government after the Islamic Revolution and the UK used a referendum to vote on Brexit
The process of the national government giving power to the regional assemblies is called -
Devolution
Does Iran have a Federal, Unitary, or Supranational system? (+ Define the term)
Unitary - power is consolidated to the national level)
Explain why voters were pro-Brexit and wanted to leave the European Union
They wanted to increase British sovereignty and reduce immigration
What did the Islamic Revolution of 1979 hope to accomplish?
Remove the shah, move from westernization to Islamic principles.
Whose legislature is more powerful? UK's or Iran's?
UK. There is no separation between the legislative and executive branch. The Majils are checked by the Supreme leader, Guardian Council, and the President.
How is the Prime Minister selected?
Prime Minister is selected through the majority party. They (and their cabinet) must receive a majority vote of confidence AND approval of the monarchy in order to become the head of government
What is a rentier state? Explain how Iran is one.
Rentier state - most of your money comes from foreign export and support. Most of Iran's money comes from renting drilling rights and exporting oil.
If the House of Lords does not agree with legislation from the House of Commons, what can they do about it?
They can postpone legislation for 1 year, unless it's a money bill - then only 1 month.
What did the Green Movement of 2009 hope to accomplish?
Believed that there was fraud in Mousavi's election and demanded a recount.
How do the UK and Iran differ in their participation in elections?
FRQ answers!
What is the UK's political ideology
Liberalism and Social Democracy
Explain how the transition occured from one Iranian Dynasty to another (Islamic Republic, Safavid, Pahlavi, Qajar)
Safavid --> Qajar --> Pahlavi --> Khomenei's Islamic Republic
What are the consequences of the UK's single-member district election system
With FPTP voting there is usually a 2 party system where two parties get the majority of the vote and have a "winners bonus"
How did Khomeini get replaced?
Iran's constitution indicated one of the Marja must be the new supreme leader. Instead, Khomeini altered the constitution so that his chief lieutenant Ali Khamenei could be the next Supreme Leader
What are the main differences between the UK and Iran legislature?
FRQ answers!