The legislative body of the government is the Parliament known as the Majles whose members are chosen by direct election. Structurally, Iran lacks any official parties and the candidates are all independent. However, it is common and often the practice for the candidates to be part of one of the various informal political interest groups.

The upper house or "the Council of the Guardians" is officially an advisory body which has the task of controlling the legislation to make sure of its compatibility with the constitution and the Islamic laws. The 12 members of the Council of the Guardians are divided to six lawyers and six theologians, all of whom are selected and appointed by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution. The Council of the Guardians has the power of veto over the legislations of the Majles.

The Head of the Judiciary is also appointed by the Leader and virtually has no over-seer. The judges are appointed by the discretion of the Head of the Judiciary. The Head of the High Court, a periodic position, is appointed by the leader as well and practices nominal authority over all other branches of the government.