Thematic Lessons In The History Of Iraq And Iran (Page 3 of 3) in pdf

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Thematic Lessons in the History of Iraq and Iran– ANSWER KEY

Questions to Consider, based on the 1979 Constitution of Iran:

1. What are some of the major themes of the Iranian constitution?

Justice is one of the main themes. There are many points at which the justness of the cause and the

constitution are stated. Islam is another important point. Islam and Islamic principles are frequently

evoked throughout the text.

2. How is the Iranian constitution different from the constitution of the United States? How is it

different?

The Iranian constitution has significantly more articles and is more specific. There is a very overt

religious message in the Iranian constitution, whereas the U.S. constitution is much vaguer on certain

issues and lacks strong religious messages. Both constitutions focus on rights and freedoms guaranteed by

their respective documents.

3. How is the role of religion defined?

Very narrowly. It is stated explicitly that Islam is the guiding principle for the new republic. Quotations

of the Koran are cited throughout the constitution. Many of the principles of the constitution are articles of

faith among Muslims.

4. How are religious minorities defined?

Only very specific minorities are defined. Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians are the only officially

sanctioned minorities. Other religious groups have no status in the Islamic republic.

5. What are some of the rights guaranteed by the Iranian constitution?

Based upon the excerpts from the constitution: freedom of the press, freedom from arrest without charge,

and guarantees for women’s rights are laid out in the text. These rights are contingent upon Islamic

principles and therefore may be curtailed or revoked if activities fall outside of these principles.

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