Which statement best describes the relationship between the Presidency and the Leader in Iran's political system?

• A. The Presidency can override the Leader's directives.
• B. The Presidency operates under the Leader, with the Leader having ultimate authority over executive matters.
• C. The Presidency controls the Guardian Council.
• D. The Presidency has no formal role in policy.

Answer: (C)

In Iran, ultimate political authority rests with the Supreme Leader, while the President runs the day-to-day government within that framework. A key part of how power is checked and balanced is the Guardian Council, a body that reviews laws and oversees elections. Its members include clerics appointed by the Supreme Leader and jurists approved by both the Parliament and the Leader, giving the Leader substantial influence over both which laws can pass and who can run for office. Because of this setup, the Presidency does not control the Guardian Council; instead, the Guardian Council and the Leader constrain the Presidency and shape executive policy. Statements claiming the Presidency governs or overrides the Guardian Council contradict how the system distributes authority.