There are three main parallels between the Western model of democracy and Iranian democracy. The first is concerning the hierarchy of power in these respective countries. The second is concerning the ideology and history behind the democracies. The third and final parallel can be found in the political process of these countries, including the political participation of the citizens.
             When one compares the parliamentary and presidential systems of the West to the Iranian system, there are many similarities between the two, with Iran adopting a more parliamentary approach in their government. Likewise, there are also differences. In the United States, there is a strong and dedicated division of church and state, wherein Iran; there is not. Critics would point out that the most powerful man in Iran, the Chief of State, is Ayatollah Ali Hosseini-Khamenei, the who is considered "Iran's supreme religious leader." (Reinckens, Federation Of American Scientists) The head of government is the President, who is democratically elected, albeit with less power and influence than the Chief of State.
             However, that separation of church and state is necessary for countries like the United States due to t
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