Political Institutions
Citizens, Society, and the State
Political Economic Change and Trends

Public Policy
Presidents
100

This body in Iran holds the highest authority, overseeing all political, military, and judicial matters.

What is the Supreme Leader?

100

These are the primary agents of political socialization in Iran, influencing citizens’ views on politics and governance.

What are family and education?

100

In 1979, Iran underwent a this, which led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of an Islamic Republic.

What is the Iranian Revolution?

100

These institutions, including the UN, play a significant role in shaping Iran’s public policies, especially in areas like human rights and security.

What are international organizations?

100

This president, elected in 1997, is known for his reformist agenda and efforts to improve relations with the West, particularly in his early years in office.

Who is Mohammad Khatami?

200

This Iranian parliamentary body approves candidates for the presidency, the legislature, and other key government posts.

What is the Guardian Council?

200

In Iran, this type of group works to influence political decision-making and gain access to power, often operating within the bounds of Islamic law.

What are interest groups?

200

These types of events often destabilize governments, especially when power is seized by the military or a political faction.

What are coups?

200

This type of policy, enacted by the Iranian government, focuses on the welfare of its citizens but is often seen as controversial.

What are social policies?

200

Before becoming president in 2005, this politician served as mayor of Tehran and was a hardline conservative. His presidency saw a return to more authoritarian policies.

Who is Mahmoud Ahmadinejad?

300

Iran’s president is elected through this system, which requires a two-round election if no candidate gets more than 50% in the first round.

What is the presidential election system?

300

This national event, held every few years, serves as the major platform for political participation and expression of voting behavior.

What are elections?

300

Iran has experienced periods of economic transformation, such as the post-1979 efforts to implement this type of change, transitioning from state-controlled to a more market-oriented economy.

What is economic reform?

300

One of Iran's major public policy issues, this has led to both domestic protests and international sanctions.

What is nuclear policy?

300

Elected president in 2013 and re-elected in 2017, this moderate leader helped negotiate the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

Who is Hassan Rouhani?

400

This legislative body has 290 members, elected for four-year terms, responsible for creating and passing laws.

What is the Majlis (Parliament)?

400

This is a key form of political participation in Iran, where citizens express dissent against the government.

What is political protest or political violence?

400

This international trend affects Iran by influencing its political and economic policies, leading to greater integration with global markets.

What is globalization?

400

The Iranian government aims to shape this aspect of society by promoting policies that reinforce Islamic values and suppress opposition.

What is political culture?

400

This individual was the first president of Iran after the 1979 revolution, serving from 1980 to 1981 before being impeached following political and military tensions.

Who is Abdolhossein Bani-Sadr?

500

Iran’s judiciary is overseen by this figure, appointed by the Supreme Leader, and is tasked with interpreting Islamic law.

Who is the Head of the Judiciary?

500

A significant feature of Iranian society is the religious cleavages between Shia Muslims and these minority religious groups.

Who are Sunnis or religious minorities?

500

The relationship between these two factors in Iran is central to many policy debates, as reforms in one often require changes in the other.

What are economic and political reforms?

500

 This economic and political issue continues to be a key concern for Iran, as it faces pressure from both foreign powers and domestic groups.

What is sanctions or economic dependency?

500

This president, elected in 2021, has a background in the judiciary and was considered a hardliner. His election marked a shift towards a more conservative approach to governance in Iran.

Who is Ebrahim Raisi?