Which two bodies' disputes does the Expediency Discernment Council arbitrate?

• A. The Majles and Guardian Council.
• B. The President and Majles.
• C. The Guardian Council and the judiciary.
• D. The Assembly of Experts and the President.

Answer: (A)

In Iran, the two bodies that must work through a final decision on legislative disputes are the parliament (Majles) and the Guardian Council. The Guardian Council reviews legislation for conformity with the constitution and Islamic law, and can veto or require changes. When the Majles and the Guardian Council disagree, the Expediency Discernment Council steps in to arbitrate and render a final ruling that both sides must follow. This mechanism prevents deadlock in the lawmaking process and provides a clear authority to resolve conflicts between the two key legislative-check institutions. The other pairs don’t have this formal, designated arbitration role for the Expediency Council.