Special Topic – Iran Political System (Page 2) Guardian Council, Assembly of Experts & IRGC
1️⃣ The Guardian Council – Electoral Gatekeeper
The Guardian Council is one of the most powerful constitutional bodies in Iran. It consists of 12 members:
- ✔ 6 Islamic jurists appointed directly by the Supreme Leader
- ✔ 6 legal experts nominated by the judiciary and approved by Parliament
Its primary functions include:
- Reviewing legislation passed by Parliament (Majlis)
- Approving or disqualifying candidates for presidential, parliamentary, and Assembly of Experts elections
- Ensuring laws conform to Islamic principles and the Constitution
Thus, although elections are held, candidate participation is institutionally filtered.
2️⃣ Assembly of Experts – Selecting the Supreme Leader
The Assembly of Experts is an 88-member clerical body elected for eight-year terms. However, candidates themselves must first be approved by the Guardian Council.
Its constitutional powers include:
- ✔ Electing the Supreme Leader
- ✔ Supervising the Leader’s performance
- ✔ Removing the Leader if deemed unfit
In practice, the Assembly has rarely challenged the Supreme Leader’s authority.
3️⃣ Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
The IRGC is an elite military organization created after the 1979 Revolution to protect the Islamic Republic from internal and external threats.
- Operates parallel to the regular armed forces
- Engages in regional operations beyond Iran’s borders
- Holds significant influence in economic sectors
- Directly loyal to the Supreme Leader
The IRGC significantly enhances the Supreme Leader’s political and military authority.
4️⃣ Structural Observation
The interconnection between the Supreme Leader, Guardian Council, Assembly of Experts, and IRGC creates a tightly integrated power structure where religious authority and security institutions reinforce each other.
📚 Examination Perspective
✔ Analyze the role of the Guardian Council in Iran’s democracy.
✔ Explain the constitutional powers of the Assembly of Experts.
✔ Discuss the political significance of the IRGC.
✔ Evaluate whether Iran can be classified as a full democracy.
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