Lecture Notes: Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Political Structure

Preamble and Historical Context

• Islamic Principles: The constitution reflects Islamic principles in cultural, social, political, and economic spheres.
• Pre-Revolution Movements: Anti-despotic constitutional movement and anti-colonialist movement centered on oil industry nationalization failed due to lack of ideological basis.
• Leadership and Revolution: Under Imam Khumayni, a movement against the "White Revolution" and American influence led to the Islamic Revolution in 1963, culminating in the monarchical regime's collapse in 1979.
• Revolutionary Movement: The revolution was fueled by young Iranians and led to the establishment of an Islamic government.

Articles of the Constitution

• Article 1: Iran is an Islamic Republic endorsed by a 1979 referendum with 98.2% support.
• Article 2: Belief in the One God as a foundation.
• Article 4: All laws and regulations must align with Islamic criteria.
• Article 5: Leadership during the Occultation of Wali al-Asr belongs to an 'adil' and 'muttaqi' faqih, as per Article 107.

Historical and Political Developments

• 1953 Coup: Overthrow of Prime Minister Mossadegh by the Shah with CIA support, resulting in authoritarian rule.
• White Revolution: Reforms such as land redistribution, women’s rights, and secularization; opposed by traditionalists.
• Rentier State: Heavy reliance on oil revenues with minimal internal taxation, subsidizing food, fuel, and education.
• Khomeini’s Return: Islamic Revolution transformed by clerics under Velayat-e faqih governance.

Legitimization of the New Regime

• Support Factors: High popular support, rising oil prices, Iraq-Iran war, and Khomeini’s charisma.

Armed Forces and Governance Structure

• Revolutionary Guard: Protects the regime and controls militias.
• Government Structure:
  • President: Elected with limited terms, manages executive power, and oversees cabinet and policies.
  • Parliament (Majlis): 290 members elected every four years with legislative powers.
  • Supreme Leader: Appoints key figures, oversees armed forces, and confirms presidential elections.
  • Guardian Council: Influential body approving laws, overseeing elections, and controlling candidate eligibility.
  • Assembly of Experts: Appoints and monitors the Supreme Leader.
  • Expediency Council: Resolves legislative disputes.

Elections and Political Culture

• Election Process: Direct elections for the Assembly of Experts, Majlis, and President; majoritarian system.
• Political Culture: Characterized by authoritarianism, religious-political union, anti-Western sentiment, and nationalism.
• Presidential Election 2009: Controversial results led to the "Green Revolution."

Bonyads

• Economic Role: Large charitable trusts controlling significant portions of the economy, tax-exempt, and influential.

Protests in Iran

• Major protests include the White Revolution, Islamic Revolution 1979, Green Revolution, and Mahsa Amini protests due to civil rights issues.