Venice Commission - Report on Bicameralism

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Israel

1.Has the country ever had a bicameral parliamentary (or congressional) system in the past? If so, in which period? Why was it decided to change into a unicameral system? Is there a public debate about changing to a bicameral system? What are the terms of the debate?

There is unicameral system and there has never been a serious proposal to change into bicameral system.

2.What is the population of the country? What is its size?

The population of Israel is around 9.5 million people.

3.What form of state and form of government has the country? Please provide details with reference to relevant constitutional provisions. a) Unitarian or federal/regional/other form of decentralization; b) Parliamentary, presidential, semi-presidential or mixed

Israel is a parliamentary democracy. The parliament (Knesset) is elected by the people once every four years (unless early election are called). Its members are elected by proportional representation. The whole country is one constituency. The Knesset appoints the government by a majority vote (so far, always a coalition regime).

4.How many members are in the lower house?

The Knesset comprises of 120 members.