What is the role of the Guardian Council in Iran's lawmaking process?

• A. It drafts all legislation.
• B. It has no role in lawmaking.
• C. It reviews laws for compatibility with Islamic law and the constitution.
• D. It enforces laws through police power.

Answer: (C)

In Iran, the Guardian Council serves as a constitutional and religious review body in the lawmaking process. After the parliament (the Majles) drafts and passes a bill, the Guardian Council reviews it to ensure it complies with Islamic law (sharia) and the constitution. If the bill fits, it can be approved; if not, it can be sent back with required changes or vetoed. If there’s a dispute between the Majles and the Guardian Council, the Expediency Discernment Council may step in to resolve it. The Guardian Council does not draft legislation itself and does not enforce laws—that role falls to other institutions—so the description of reviewing for compatibility is the accurate one.