Assembly of Experts

Definition

The Assembly of Experts is an elected body in Iran responsible for selecting the Supreme Leader and overseeing his performance. This assembly plays a critical role in the political system of the Islamic Republic, combining religious authority and political governance, which reflects the unique structure established after the 1979 revolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Assembly of Experts consists of 88 members who are elected every eight years by the public, but candidates must be approved by the Guardian Council.
2. This assembly has the authority to remove the Supreme Leader if he is deemed unable to fulfill his duties, although this has never occurred.
3. Members of the Assembly are typically clerics or scholars with significant religious credentials, reflecting the intertwining of religious authority and governance.
4. The Assembly of Experts also holds meetings to discuss various issues affecting the country, including economic policies and social challenges, although its power is largely advisory.
5. The Assembly's influence on Iranian politics is significant but often overshadowed by the more powerful Supreme Leader and the Guardian Council.

Review Questions

• What is the role of the Assembly of Experts within the Iranian political system, and how does it interact with other governing bodies?
  • The Assembly of Experts serves as a vital component in the Iranian political system by electing and overseeing the Supreme Leader. It interacts with other governing bodies, particularly the Guardian Council, which vet candidates for elections and ensure laws align with Islamic principles. While it has the theoretical power to remove a Supreme Leader if necessary, its actual influence is often limited compared to that of the Supreme Leader and other institutions.
• Evaluate how the Assembly of Experts contributes to the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic’s political structure.
  • The Assembly of Experts contributes to the legitimacy of Iran's Islamic Republic by providing a mechanism through which clerics are elected to oversee and support religious leadership. By involving elected representatives in such a high-stakes role as selecting and monitoring the Supreme Leader, it attempts to balance democratic processes with authoritarian elements inherent in its governance. However, its effectiveness is often questioned due to its reliance on candidates approved by the Guardian Council, which limits genuine democratic representation.
• Assess the implications of having an assembly like the Assembly of Experts in a political system where ultimate authority lies with a Supreme Leader.
  • Having an assembly such as the Assembly of Experts in a system where ultimate authority resides with a Supreme Leader presents a complex dynamic that can create both stability and tension. While it offers a platform for clerical representation and can theoretically check leadership by overseeing performance, in practice, its authority is constrained. The Supreme Leader maintains significant power over political decisions, often overshadowing the assembly's role. This structure raises questions about accountability and representation within an Islamic republic framework, as it struggles between democratic aspirations and centralized religious control.

Related terms

Supreme Leader: The Supreme Leader is the highest-ranking political and religious authority in Iran, holding significant power over all branches of government, including the military and judiciary.

Guardian Council:

A powerful body in Iran that oversees elections and ensures that legislation aligns with Islamic law, composed of jurists and appointed members.

Islamic Republic:

A political system established in Iran post-1979 revolution that integrates Islamic principles with republican governance, emphasizing the role of religious leaders in politics.