Independence becomes a founding principle

For supporters, the vote translated the revolutionary overthrow into a direct act of popular sovereignty.

Some groups endorsed the new republic, while others criticized the yes-or-no format or called for a boycott.

Women's participation affirmed their visible role in the revolution and in deciding the formal structure of the new state.

After the referendum count, 1 April was declared the founding day of the Islamic Republic.

The result ended the hereditary political order and replaced it with a republic grounded in the revolution.

The proclamation opened a contested process over constitutional authority, participation and social justice.

The revolutionary court prosecuted a leading figure of the Pahlavi state for political repression and other offenses.

His rapid execution became one of the best-known early cases of revolutionary justice.

Many Iranians saw trials as a response to decades in which officials had been protected from public judgment.

Some revolutionaries argued that summary proceedings weakened due process and the moral authority of the new order.