Which institutions shape governance and public life in Iran?

• A. Clergy, religious education, Leader's authority, Guardian Council, President, Majles.
• B. Only the President and Majles.
• C. Only the Supreme Court.
• D. The United Nations directly administers domestic policy.

Answer: (A)

Governance in Iran blends religious authority with elected institutions. The clergy and religious education shape public values and policy, while the Leader’s authority sits atop the system, guiding security, the judiciary, and major state decisions. The Guardian Council acts as a gatekeeper, reviewing laws and approving electoral candidates to ensure alignment with Islamic law. The President runs the executive and implements policy within these constraints, and the Majles drafts laws that must be compatible with Islamic law and obtain Guardian Council approval. Together, these actors shape governance and public life through both spiritual legitimacy and formal political offices.

Choosing only the President and parliament misses the influential role of the Leader and the Guardian Council; focusing on the Supreme Court ignores its subordinate, checked position within this framework; and saying the United Nations administers domestic policy is not accurate for Iran’s sovereignty and governance.