Unthinkable theocracies
We learned in a previous lesson the importance of separating power in a government between the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature. This, theoretically, reduces the chance of corruption and the mismanagement of power.
However, there is one force that extends beyond National borders and often wields global power; religion.
Then religion effectively commands a country, we call that nation a Theocracy.
Many European nations in the Medieval period had to contend with the power of the Catholic Church acting as their legislature, as well as their judiciary. The bible was interpreted by Church leaders and people were tried according to methods dictated by the Church.
However, there is one force that extends beyond National borders and often wields global power; religion.
Then religion effectively commands a country, we call that nation a Theocracy.
Many European nations in the Medieval period had to contend with the power of the Catholic Church acting as their legislature, as well as their judiciary. The bible was interpreted by Church leaders and people were tried according to methods dictated by the Church.
Task: Understanding Iran
Your task is to explore the lives of people living in a theocracy and the theocratic system of government.
- What do you know about the political system in Iran? List all of the characteristics or details you can think of in your group. (Think, Pair, Share). After you have finished, discuss and write your responses on the board.
- Utilize one or more of the political cartoons provided to initiate discussion about Iran’s theocracy. What do you see in the cartoon? What do you think is the perspective of the cartoonist? What conclusions can you draw from their analysis?
- In groups of 3 or 4 examine one of the following key stakeholders that has an influence on government and politics in Iran: Supreme Leader, President, Parliament, Guardian Council, Assembly of Religious Experts, Majles, Revolutionary Guard, Judiciary, media, and youth.
- Investigate the role of each key stakeholder affecting the Iranian political system. Most of these groups are within the political structure.
- Each group should read one of the articles about the structure of the political system and the role played by different individuals and groups. You will also complete research on their assigned stakeholder to find additional information about its specific role and influence. Make a mind map for this.
- When students have completed their research, have each complete one of the following:
- A PowerPoint Presentation that discusses their stakeholder’s role and influence
- A song with specific lyrics that embodies the role and influence of their stakeholder
- A large political cartoon that illustrates the role and influence of their key stakeholder
SOURCES:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/tehran/inside/govt.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/in_depth/middle_east/2000/iran_elections/iran_struggle_for_change/who_holds_power/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2013/06/14/how-do-irans-supreme-leader-and-president-split-power-heres-a-chart-explaining-it/
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/tehran/inside/govt.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/in_depth/middle_east/2000/iran_elections/iran_struggle_for_change/who_holds_power/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2013/06/14/how-do-irans-supreme-leader-and-president-split-power-heres-a-chart-explaining-it/
Glossary
Theocracy: a form of government in which God is recognized as the supreme civil ruler and God’s laws are interpreted by ecclesiastical authorities like priests. Supreme Leader: the highest ranking spiritual leader in Iran.
Guardian Council: a 12 member council in the Iranian government empowered to vet legislation and oversee elections.
Majles: the Iranian parliament; an Arabic term for special gatherings among common interest groups.
Council of Religious Experts: Islamic theologians charged with electing and removing the Supreme Leader of Iran and supervising his activities.
Islamic Revolutionary Guard: a branch of Iran's military founded after the Iranian revolution to protect the country's Islamic system.
Theocracy: a form of government in which God is recognized as the supreme civil ruler and God’s laws are interpreted by ecclesiastical authorities like priests. Supreme Leader: the highest ranking spiritual leader in Iran.
Guardian Council: a 12 member council in the Iranian government empowered to vet legislation and oversee elections.
Majles: the Iranian parliament; an Arabic term for special gatherings among common interest groups.
Council of Religious Experts: Islamic theologians charged with electing and removing the Supreme Leader of Iran and supervising his activities.
Islamic Revolutionary Guard: a branch of Iran's military founded after the Iranian revolution to protect the country's Islamic system.