SMALL CONSTITUTION

   Israel's system of government is based on an unwritten constitution. The first legislative act of the Constituent Assembly in February 1949 was to enact a Transition Law, often referred to as the Small Constitution that became the basis of constitutional life in the state. Administrative and executive procedures were based on a combination of past experience in self-government, elements adapted from the former mandatory structure, and new legislation. According to the Small Constitution, Israel was established as a republic with a weak president and a strong cabinet and parliament (Knesset). It was anticipated that this document would be replaced in due course by a more extensive and permanent one. A "constitutional revolution" occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s against the background of growing popular pressure for the promulgation of a formal written constitution and bill of rights.

   See also !!!BASIC LAW.