Government

Israel has no written constitution, but under a number of fundamental laws passed since the state was formed in 1948 it is a parliamentary democracy.

Supreme authority rests with the Knesset (assembly), a single-chamber legislature elected for four years under proportional representation. All Israeli citizens of 18 and over can vote. The Knesset elects the president of the republic for a five-year term. His powers are mainly ceremonial. Executive power is exercised by the prime minister and cabinet, responsible to the Knesset. The prime minister is chosen by the Knesset through a parliamentary system.

The judiciary includes labor courts, magistrates' courts, district courts, and the Supreme Court. The jury system is not used. There are also Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Druse religious courts.

For purposes of local government, the country is divided into six districts. These do not include the occupied territories, which are administered by the defense and police forces.