Checks and Balances Laboratory

Israel maintains one of the weakest democratic systems in terms of formal constraints on the legislative and executive branches. On the formal level, there are no internal or external constraints on the legislature, such as a two-house parliament, presidential veto power, a federal structure, regional elections, membership in international human rights organizations, and it is one of the few countries in the world that lacks a formal constitution.
The Checks and Balances Lab at the Center for Applied Research works to strengthen Israeli democracy by developing and implementing sustainable institutional solutions. The lab investigates the structural weaknesses of the Israeli regime – the lack of effective checks and balances, government control of the Knesset, the lack of party regulation, and term limits – and suggests practical ways to address these challenges. Our goal is to develop institutional models that will ensure a smooth transition in power, promote broad and equitable representation, strengthen local governance, and encourage active civic participation. At this moment of crisis for Israeli democracy, the lab sees an opportunity to create a new consensus on the need for a deep structural upgrade that will ensure the stability of democracy for future generations.