How is the Guardian Council composed and chosen?

• A. Six clerics appointed by the Supreme Leader and six lawyers elected by the Majles from nominees proposed by judiciary head.
• B. Twelve clerics elected by the people.
• C. Six clerics elected by the Majles and six lawyers appointed by the Supreme Leader.
• D. Six lawyers elected by the Majles from nominees proposed by the judiciary head.

Answer: (A)

The Guardian Council combines religious authority with legal expertise. Half of its members are six clerics appointed by the Supreme Leader, providing religious interpretation and legitimacy. The other half are six jurists elected by the Majlis from candidates proposed by the head of the judiciary, ensuring legal and constitutional review comes through an elected body with judicial input. This exact arrangement—clerics appointed by the Supreme Leader plus jurists elected by the Majlis from judiciary nominees—best matches how the council is formed.

If it were another setup, clerics might be elected by parliament or jurists appointed by the Supreme Leader, which would shift the balance between religious authority and legislative/judicial oversight in ways the constitution does not specify.