How do the Guardian Council complement Expediency Council in policy governance?

• A. Guardian Council drafts policy; Expediency Council implements.
• B. Guardian Council approves legislation; Expediency Council drafts policy.
• C. Guardian Council filters and vetoes; Expediency Council resolves disputes and advises on policy direction.
• D. Guardian Council handles foreign policy; Expediency Council manages the budget.

Answer: (C)

Policy governance in Iran hinges on a balance between gatekeeping and arbitration. The Guardian Council acts as the gatekeeper for legislation and electoral matters, screening bills to ensure they conform to the constitution and Islamic law, with the authority to veto if they don’t fit. When there is a dispute or strategic question about how laws should align with overarching goals, the Expediency Council serves as the arbiter and policy guide, resolving disagreements between the Parliament and the Guardian Council and advising on the direction of policy. This pairing means the Guardian Council filters and vetoes, while the Expediency Council resolves disputes and guides policy direction.