Parliament

Definition

Parliament refers to the legislative body of a country, responsible for making laws, debating policies, and representing the electorate. In the context of the Islamic Republic established in Iran, parliament plays a crucial role in the political system, acting as the institution through which elected representatives can influence governance and legislation, often within a framework guided by Islamic principles and the authority of the Supreme Leader.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Iranian parliament, known as the Majlis, consists of 290 members elected by the public for four-year terms.
2. Parliament has limited power compared to the Supreme Leader and the Guardian Council, which can veto legislation and oversee elections.
3. Members of parliament must be approved by the Guardian Council before they can run for election, ensuring alignment with Islamic values.
4. The legislative process involves multiple readings and approval stages, with the possibility of amendments to proposed laws.
5. Parliament can influence economic policies and social reforms, but its authority is often constrained by higher powers within the political system.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of the Iranian parliament reflect the balance of power within the Islamic Republic?
  • The structure of the Iranian parliament showcases a unique balance of power where, despite being an elected body, its authority is significantly limited by higher institutions like the Supreme Leader and the Guardian Council. The Majlis can propose and debate legislation, but any laws passed must also be ratified by the Guardian Council to ensure compliance with Islamic law. This means that while parliament represents the people's voice to some extent, ultimate control remains in the hands of non-elected leaders.
• In what ways does the Guardian Council influence parliamentary elections in Iran?
  • The Guardian Council plays a critical role in shaping parliamentary elections by vetting candidates before they are allowed to run. This council ensures that only those who adhere to Islamic principles and the country's constitution can participate in elections. As a result, this influences not only who gets elected to parliament but also shapes the overall political landscape by limiting representation to those aligned with conservative values favored by the ruling elite.
• Evaluate the implications of parliamentary authority on social reforms in Iran's Islamic Republic, considering external and internal pressures.
  • Parliamentary authority in Iran has significant implications for social reforms, as it is often at odds with both internal conservative forces and external pressures from global communities. While parliament may seek to enact progressive reforms in areas like women's rights or economic policies, these initiatives frequently face resistance from conservative factions and religious authorities who wield greater power. This dynamic creates a challenging environment for meaningful change, where parliamentary actions may be stifled or reversed due to fear of losing ideological control or facing backlash from more conservative elements in society.

Related terms

Majlis: The Majlis is the Iranian parliament, which is responsible for enacting laws, approving budgets, and overseeing government actions.

Guardian Council:

A powerful body in Iran that oversees elections and ensures that legislation complies with Islamic law and the constitution.

Supreme Leader: The highest-ranking political and religious authority in Iran, who holds significant influence over the government and its institutions, including parliament.