Constitution-making moves from draft to elected assembly

Political organizations, clerics and citizens argued over rights, sovereignty, social justice and Islamic authority.

The stronger office of the leading jurist emerged during later deliberations in the elected Assembly of Experts.

The text sought to institutionalize independence, participation and a break with the monarchical constitution.

The election chose representatives to review and rewrite the proposed constitution.

Clerical networks organized effectively while several left and minority organizations boycotted or faced disadvantages.

Debates focused on whether the assembly reflected the full diversity of the revolutionary coalition.

Seventy-three elected members began detailed deliberation on the constitution.

Clerical members advanced the principle that a qualified jurist should guide and supervise the republic.

Members sought different ways to combine elections, representative institutions and religious leadership.

The emerging constitution addressed public ownership, protection of the oppressed and rejection of foreign domination.