Let's learn about the research laboratories we have, in order to understand the existing risks to democracy.
Research laboratories
Checks and Balances
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 two houses of parliament, presidential veto power, federal structure, regional elections, membership in international human rights organizations. Furthermore, Israel is one of the few countries in the world that lacks a formal constitution, with no written requirements limiting the legislative power of constitutional norms.
Democracy and the welfare state
Comparative studies show that the welfare state plays a significant role in creating and maintaining institutional and social trust. Allocating supports on a matter-of-fact, impartial, and efficient basis allows citizens to trust that they will be treated fairly and to have confidence in democracy.
Identifying barriers to democratic rights in ultra-Orthodox society
The Haredi in Israel live in autonomous enclaves – especially in the areas of education, economy and community. Due to historical circumstances and political compromises, the state finds it difficult to act directly with the Haredi individual – and is dependent on the “Haredi establishment” that mediates the entire sector for it. Thus, the Haredi enclave is maintained and driven by small groups that benefit from resources, political power, control over institutions and direct access to state budgets. The “small” Haredi citizen does not necessarily enjoy his rights as a citizen in a democratic state.
