Investiture Rules and Government Formation in Israel

The majority of parliamentary systems has not evolved gradually, but resulted from compromises struck at constitutional moments. Recent changes tend to protect or strengthen the executive (but not necessarily implying empowering of the executive at the expense of the legislature). The aims of the research are, first, describe in detail the (formal) role of parliament (Knesset) in government formation and, second, discuss the origins and significance (likely consequences) of the investiture rules. Investiture rules have five demensions; Where (Lower Chamber only / Unicameral parliament Lower and Upper Chamber, separately (sequentially) or jointly). When (timing of parliament’s involvement - Inactive parliament [negative parliamentarism], Reactive parliament [ex post confidence type; ratification» stage], Proactive parliament [ex ante (s)election; formateur stage]. Target (Head of Government, Cabinet, Government’s policy platform, Individual ministers). Decision rule - qualified, absolute, simple, plurality (Absolute majority, Simple majority. Final stage - if multiple rounds or failure (Change of decision rule : absolute→ simple majority→ plurality, Dissolution and early elections). Israel can be divided into three periods based on the five dimensions of the investiture rule: 1949-1996 (vote of investiture) Ex post (confidence type) of vote, After government presentet itself (1949); after presented itself, basic lines of policy, composition, distribution of functions (1968). Simple majority requirement. Dissolution and new election if not succeed. 1996-2003 (Direct election of Prime Minister). 2003-current (vote of investiture) Ex post (confidence type) of vote, After government presentet itself, basic lines of policy, composition, distribution of functions. Absolute majority requirement. Dissolution and new election if not succeed.