Knesset Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Knesset

Type
Type	Unicameral
Structure
Seats	120
Political groups	Kadima Labour-Meimad Shas Likud
Meeting place

Knesset, Jerusalem
Website
www.knesset.gov.il

The Knesset is like the main law-making body, or legislature, for the country of Israel. It's a very important part of Israel's government. The Knesset helps make sure the country runs smoothly.

This special group of people makes new laws and changes old ones. They also choose the country's president and prime minister. The Knesset watches over the government's work to make sure everything is done correctly. They even have the power to remove the President from office if needed. They can also call for new elections.

The Knesset first met on February 14, 1949. Today, there are 120 members who work there. The main building for the Knesset is in Jerusalem. A kind person named Lord James A. de Rothschild paid for the building as a gift to Israel.

What is the Knesset?
- How the Knesset Works
  - Making Laws
  - Choosing Leaders
- Where is the Knesset?
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What is the Knesset?

The Knesset is Israel's main law-making group. It has the power to create and change any laws. These laws cannot be easily changed by other groups. The Knesset can pass a new law with a simple majority, meaning more than half of the members agree.

How the Knesset Works

The way members are chosen for the Knesset is special. It uses a system called party-list proportional representation. This means that political parties get seats in the Knesset based on how many votes they receive. If a party gets 10% of the votes, they get about 10% of the seats. This system has a big effect on how Israeli politics works.

Making Laws

One of the Knesset's main jobs is to create and approve laws for Israel. These laws cover everything from how schools are run to how taxes are collected. When a new law is proposed, members discuss it and vote on it. If enough members vote "yes," the proposal becomes a law.

Choosing Leaders

The Knesset also plays a key role in choosing Israel's leaders. The members of the Knesset elect the country's President. They also approve the Prime Minister, who is usually the leader of the largest political party or group of parties. The Prime Minister then forms the government.

Where is the Knesset?

The current Knesset building is located on a hilltop in the western part of Jerusalem. It is a well-known landmark in the city. The building was a special gift from Lord James A. de Rothschild to the State of Israel.