AP Comparative Government (COGO) Iran Practice Test 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The key idea is who holds the formal authority over the highest religious-political leader in Iran. That power rests with the Assembly of Experts, a body of 88 clerics elected by the people. Constitutionally, this body has the formal right to appoint the Leader and, if needed, dismiss him. In practice, they have not exercised this power often, and the Leader’s tenure has been long and stable, but the authority remains theirs on paper.

Understand that the other bodies have different roles: the Guardian Council vets candidates for elections and certifies laws for conformity with Islam and the constitution; the Majles (parliament) makes laws and can scrutinize or impeach ministers but does not appoint or remove the Leader; the Expediency Discernment Council mediates between the Majles and the Guardian Council.