Which factor helps ensure that major policy decisions align with regime principles despite elections?

• A. Broad-based public consensus.
• B. Elections directly determine all policy without other checks.
• C. Candidate vetting and the Leader's authority ensure alignment with regime principles.
• D. The Majles unilaterally sets policy.

Answer: (C)

In Iran, elections happen within a framework of unelected institutions that shape what policies can survive. The factor that best explains why major policy decisions stay aligned with regime principles is the combination of candidate vetting and the Leader’s authority. The Guardian Council screens and disqualifies candidates who are not deemed acceptable to the regime’s ideology, narrowing the field to those more likely to support the principles. Then the Leader wields substantial constitutional power to direct policy, appoint key officials, and resolve disputes, which can override or steer legislation to fit principled aims. So even with elections, these mechanisms bias outcomes toward the regime’s framework.

Broad public consensus isn’t a reliable safeguard here because popular sentiment can be constrained by the same vetting and leadership influence. Elections don’t determine all policy in a vacuum, since the Majlis operates under checks from the Guardian Council and the Leader, and cannot unilaterally set major policy.