Israeli politics and government
The Israeli government is classified as a parliamentary democracy. The governmental system of Israel is surprisingly similar to that of the United States of America. There are three branches of government, executive, judicial, and legislative. Unique to Israel is it's legislative branch. Instead of a congress, Israel has a parliament known as the Knesset. The head of the executive branch is the prime minister. The prime minister has a large amount of power over the legislative branch. The judiciary system is completely separate from the other two branches. There are many different political parties in Israel and many of them are religious based. Like the Constitution, the main concepts of the government are written in a document called the 11 Basic Laws.
Executive Branch
The executive branch is headed by the prime minister. The prime minister must be a member of the Knesset. The prime minister is elected by the Knesset. The prime minister makes domestic and foreign policies to be voted on by their cabinet. The cabinet is mostly made up of other ministers and they are chosen by the prime minister and Knesset to serve. The prime minster has the power to relieve a cabinet member of their duties at any time. The cabinet meets weekly to discuss current issues and make important governmental decisions.
LEGISLATIVE Branch
The legislative branch of the Israeli government is the Knesset. The Knesset is similar to that of the American congress. The Knesset has 120 members that are in office for a term of four years. The Knesset has to power to repeal or enact any laws. To pass a law, the Knesset must vote and, if the majority favor the law, it will be passed. The Knesset also closely monitor the executive branch. They choose the prime minister and approve his/her cabinet. The Knesset are put in office by way of a "secret ballot" vote.
Judicial Branch
The judicial branch of government is completely separate from the other two branches. There are courts, both of the religious sense and those of the state. Judges are chosen by the Judicial Selection Committee. Issues of family law and marriage go to religious courts instead of state courts.