The Islamic Republic of Iran's Complex Government Who Rules Iran?
In the spring of 1979, Iran's Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was ousted from power and the exiled Shi'a cleric Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned to take control of a new form of government in this ancient land.
On April 1, 1979, the Kingdom of Iran became the Islamic Republic of Iran after a national referendum. The new theocratic government structure was complex, and included a mixture of elected and unelected officials.
On April 1, 1979, the Kingdom of Iran became the Islamic Republic of Iran after a national referendum. The new theocratic government structure was complex, and included a mixture of elected and unelected officials.
The Supreme Leader
At the apex of Iran's government stands the Supreme Leader. As head of state he has broad powers, including command of the armed forces, appointment of the head of the judiciary and of half of the Guardian Council's members, and confirmation of presidential election results.
However, the Supreme Leader's power is not entirely unchecked. He is selected by the Assembly of Experts, and could even be recalled by them (although this has never actually happened.)
However, the Supreme Leader's power is not entirely unchecked. He is selected by the Assembly of Experts, and could even be recalled by them (although this has never actually happened.)
The Guardian Council
One of the most powerful forces in Iran's government is the Guardian Council, which consists of twelve top Shi'a clerics. Six of the council members are appointed by the Supreme Leader, while the remaining six are nominated by the judiciary and then approved by the parliament.
The Guardian Council has the power to veto any bill passed by parliament if it is judged inconsistent with the Iranian Constitution or with Islamic law. All bills must be approved by the council before they become law.
Another important function of the Guardian Council is the approval of potential presidential candidates. The highly conservative council generally blocks most reformists and all women from running.
The Guardian Council has the power to veto any bill passed by parliament if it is judged inconsistent with the Iranian Constitution or with Islamic law. All bills must be approved by the council before they become law.
Another important function of the Guardian Council is the approval of potential presidential candidates. The highly conservative council generally blocks most reformists and all women from running.
The Assembly of Experts
Unlike the Supreme Leader and the Guardian Council, the Assembly of Experts is directly elected by the people of Iran. The assembly has 86 members, all clerics, who are elected for eight-year terms. Candidates for the assembly are vetted by the Guardian Council.
The Assembly of Experts is responsible for appointing the Supreme Leader and supervising his performance. In theory, the assembly could even remove a Supreme Leader from office.
Officially based in Qom, Iran's holiest city, the assembly often actually meets in Tehran or Mashhad.
The Assembly of Experts is responsible for appointing the Supreme Leader and supervising his performance. In theory, the assembly could even remove a Supreme Leader from office.
Officially based in Qom, Iran's holiest city, the assembly often actually meets in Tehran or Mashhad.
The President
Under the Iranian Constitution, the President is head of the government. He is charged with implementing the constitution, and managing domestic policy. However, the Supreme Leader controls the armed forces and makes major security and foreign policy decisions, so the power of the presidency is rather sharply curtailed.
The president is elected directly by the people of Iran for a four-year term. He can serve no more than two consecutive terms, but can be elected again after a break. That is to say, for example, that a single politician could be elected in 2005, 2009, not in 2013, but then again in 2017.
The Guardian Council vets all potential presidential candidates, and usually rejects most reformers and all women.
The president is elected directly by the people of Iran for a four-year term. He can serve no more than two consecutive terms, but can be elected again after a break. That is to say, for example, that a single politician could be elected in 2005, 2009, not in 2013, but then again in 2017.
The Guardian Council vets all potential presidential candidates, and usually rejects most reformers and all women.
The Majlis - Iran's Parliament
Iran's unicameral parliament, called the Majlis, has 290 members. (The name literally means "place of sitting" in Arabic.) Members are directly elected every four years, but again the Guardian Council vets all candidates.
The Majlis writes and votes on bills. Before any law is enacted, however, it must be approved by the Guardian Council.
Parliament also approves the national budget and ratifies international treaties. In addition, the Majlis has the authority to impeach the president or cabinet members.
The Majlis writes and votes on bills. Before any law is enacted, however, it must be approved by the Guardian Council.
Parliament also approves the national budget and ratifies international treaties. In addition, the Majlis has the authority to impeach the president or cabinet members.