The Components of Political Legitimacy from the Perspective of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Iran

The purpose of present study is to investigate the components of political legitimacy in the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In this research which had historical and analytical approach, the multiple aspects and components of legitimacy in the constitution of Islamic Republic of Iran were analyzed. The results of this study conducted by descriptive analysis revealed that to consolidate the components of political legitimacy in the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran and to sustain the political system, in addition to the legitimizing principles relevant to the time of foundation, the current stabilizing factors should also be taken into account so that we can both consolidate the power of political system and achieve more accurate criteria for evaluation. The constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran has considered each of 4 components of legitimacy; however, the legitimizing elements of political power are emphasized more in practice compared to the rest of elements. Paying attention to this point necessitates serious retrospective measures in the evaluation of the performance of the Islamic Republic of Iran based on legitimacy criterion and suitable research plans for future in order to consolidate and sustain legitimacy.