How does the Iranian constitution frame the state's power over religion and law?

• A. The constitution enshrines a strict separation of religion and state.
• B. The religious leadership holds no formal political authority.
• C. The religious leadership holds ultimate political authority; laws must align with Islam and Sharia.
• D. Laws are determined solely by secular courts.

Answer: (C)

The system is built on a theocratic framework where religion sets the governing authority. The constitution enshrines Islam as the official religion and places ultimate political power in the hands of the Supreme Leader, a cleric who oversees the major institutions of state—military, judiciary, and media—and can guide or override other branches. Laws proposed by the parliament must align with Islam and Sharia, and this alignment is checked by the Guardian Council, a body that can veto legislation and disqualify candidates to ensure conformity with Islamic law. Because of this structure, there is no strict separation between religion and state; instead, religious leadership and Islamic law shape political authority and the legal system.