Citizenship: Chapter 1: Declaration of Independence Jews have a right to a Jewish state for these 9 reasons: 1.

Jews had a Jewish state here before, had a spiritual connection to the land. (time of the Beis Hamikdash) 2. When Jews were in exile they always wanted to return. 3. Jews moved to Israel and established the land- Showed how much they wanted it. 4. The Zionistic organization in which Hertzel demonstrates the desire of the Jews to live in IL. 5. Balford Declaration (1917)- the right of the Jews to have a national home. 6. Holocaust- proof of the need to establish a state for the Jews. (killed many Jews cuz they didnt have a state. 7. The Jews contributed to the fight against the Nazis in WWII 8. All the other nations have their own state. 9. The UN voted (29 of November) for it. The Jews require a Jewish state in IL. We hereby declare the establishment of a Jewish state in Israel, the State of Israel. Proclaiming: National Council Members Date of Announcement: On completion of the British Mandate-Friday, May 14, 1948 Character of the State: Jewish State Name of the State: State of Israel Temporary institutions: People's Council (Knesset) and People's Administration Basis of the State of Israel are based on these 4 things: 1. Every Jew has the right to immigrate to Israel. 2. The state of Israel will expand existing settlements and establish new ones. It will also open up the economy for all the settlements. 3. The state will be democratic, based on freedom and social and political equality for all the citizens: Equal Rights: Wont be differences between religion or race. Everyone has the right to vote and be voted on, everyone will have an equal opportunity. Freedom: Freedom of religion, conscience, speech, education and culture. 4. The state of Israel will safeguard the holy places for all religions. 5. The State of Israels ambition is for peace and to establish a free society with social justice for all citizens.

6. The State of Israel will stay faithful to the principles of the UN. Example: Solving disputes in the way of peace, cooperation in solving the problems between national economic matters, solving disputes in society and culture. Arabs: 1. Israeli Arabs: A call for peace and participation in building of the state. There is a promise that they will receive equality, citizenship, and representation in the state. 2. Neighboring Arab Countries: A call for peace and to be good neighbors and help in developing the Middle East. 3. Appealing to Jews all over the world: To help strengthen the new state in Aliyah.

Chapter 2: The Democratic State Old and Modern Democracy: Every time there is a decision to be a made, in the old democracy everyone would gather and vote, in modern democracy we vote on a leader and he makes the decisions. There was no need for elections because everyone was included in the decision process. Instead of only free old men being allowed to vote, now only citizens over the age of 18 can vote. In the old Democracy we didnt have the freedoms that we do now like, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, etc. Characteristics of a democratic state: -separate powers so we never find ourselves in a situation where all the power falls to one person. : Everyone is equal in the eyes of the court, even the state itself. - ,: These are the people who make the vote. (Government) -: These are the people who enforce the laws. (Police) - : These are the people who punish those who break the laws. (Court/Judge) They all need each other and they have to be in sync when it comes to decisions. Principles of the Modern Democratic Government: 1. The idea of the sovereignty of the people and representation: The citizens participate in an election and decide who will represent the nation in the government. Those that are elected for parliament chooses the government, majority or the parliament wins the vote. The nation

2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

7.

chooses the president. The nation doesnt decide on political matters but the president gives his representatives the power to decide. Possible change of government through elections: In a democratic government its possible to change the government through voting and it goes according to the majority. Majority rule and the rights of the minority: In a democracy, the majority rules. This doesnt mean the decision of the majority is right or moral. In other words, there is an oppression by the majority. In a democracy, for the minority there is protection and the chance to say his views and to be the opposition so they can try to switch the government. Tyranny of the MajorityWhen the majority doesnt guard the rights of the minority. Ex: by eliminating an election, which will prevent the minority from persuading the public to go against the tyranny. Limitation of Power: The constitution in a democratic state limits the power of the government. The laws of the government in a democracy: Both the citizens and the government need to follow the laws, they are equal in terms of the laws. Private freedoms: belief, thought, religion ect. There are 2 types of freedoms. Freedom to- like freedom to vote and Freedom from- like freedom from unaccountable arrest. In a democracy a person cant do whatever he wants, the private freedoms gives the person the condition not to harm the other freedoms. A culture of argument and persuasion: Disputes need to be settled through discussions.

Chapter 3: Law and basic rules: ( Law) -The principles amd regulations established by the authority in which everyone is to follow equally. All laws are established democratically, they have to be appropriate to the state. This is to distribute power so that there never is one person with all the power to rule. ( Constitution) -The system of fundamental principles according to which a nation, state, cooperation, or the like is governed. Chapter 4: Principles for determining citizenship in Israel: Methods to obtain citizenship by birth: (2 ways) 1. : A person can get citizenship if one or both of their parents are citizens. 2. : A person gets citizenship in the place that they are born in. -Law of Returners (1950) *only for Jews 1. Every Jew has the right to come to Israel. 2. The right of Aliyah is NOT given to:

 People who are against the Jews People who are contagiously sick Criminals 3. Who is Jewish? A person who is born to a Jewish mother Someone who converted orthodox

Chapter 5: Characteristics of the State of Israel as a Jewish State: Religion and State: 1. -The laws of a country that are governed by religion making them coexist. (Iran) 2. -Separation of religion and state. The state is not governed by religion. (USA) 3. - A state governed by religion but with added freedom to practice other religions. People of the religion are treated better. (England) 4. -The state separates all religion equally (like giving money to all types of religious schools) it is governed by religion but no one is forced to follow the ruling religion. The State of Israel: Doesnt have a forced ruled religion and doesnt separate religion and state. It is a religion of majority and has freedom of and from religions. The State of Israel is a Jewish state, we can see it through: The flag: Magen David- A Jewish symbol, stripped like a Tallis, and the stripes are blue like a Tallis. The symbol of the country: Menorah-like the menorah that was in the Beis Hamikdash National Anthem: "" " " Declaration of Independence: '' ......

: 1. 2. 3. 4. -Not allowed to have Chometz during Pessach. - Cant lie about Kashrut. - Must have Jewish studies in the curriculum. Laws of working and not working when there is a chag.

: - , , , :

- , , , , : -( divorce and conversion) : Immigration office: -Their purpose is to accept immigrants as opposed to other countries, in which their immigration office purpose is to reject immigrants. : The Jewish Agency: -Their purpose is to attract Jews to come to Israel. Tension between religious and non-religious Jews: Status Quo: That restaurants use kosher meat and other ingredients and are normally closed on shabbos. Hosiptals and other government buildings are kosher. 1. Who is considered Jewish? -According to the non-reigious anyone who feels Jewish or has a Jewish parent. According to the religious it goes according to the Halacha. (if mom is Jewish) The problem arise when religious tell people who feel Jewish that they are in fact not Jewish, then that creates a dispute. 2. Jewish Marriages -A Jew can only get married according to the Halacha. If a non-religious person wants to get married to a non-Jew they cant get married inside Israel and there are no gay marriages. The non-religious people dont like this because they feel that they can marry whomever they want. 3. What can be open on Shabbos Whether a store can be open or not and public transportations is stopped on Shabbos. 4. Yeshiva guys in the army. -Most Charaidi guys dont go to the army. They say they are sitting in Yeshiva and the law says that they cant work during that time. Most though, have a family and they need to support themselves, so they work on the side and get paid under the table. Non-religious dont like this because they say why cant they do the same, say they are in Yeshiva and do what they want instead of the army, and why should I risk my life and they dont.

Chapter 7: System of Election for the Israeli Knesset: Representative Democracy:

We vote for someone to make all the big decisions instead of asking everybody what they want and they will obviously choose someone like them. (I think Arabs should be out of Iraq, Obama said hes going to take them out, so I would vote for him.) Choosing in a Democracy: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Equal opportunity to chose and be chosen. Possible to chose all parties. There are more than one party. Voting is always on a set time. Freedom of speech before the voting.

Goals of Voting: To give the citizens the right to choose their leader. : Everyone can choose anyone to deal with the problems of the whole state. : Every sector must vote for a representative within their sector. (Only someone within the sector would really know what is in the interests of the sector.) : The winner of the vote goes to the winner and the winner takes all, the loser doesnt get anything. : The more votes the more power one has in parliament, but even if you dont get majority votes you still have power for trying. : Voting for parties (democratic/republican) : Voting within parties. (democratic= Obama, Republican= McCain) *Every party, before the votes, gives out a list of its members and ideals. Pros and Cons: : Pros Everyone has the same problem which makes it easier to solver and agree on said problems. Cons Not enough attention to the smaller places. : Pros The leader is from the sector so he knows what needs to get fixed to be better. Cons They are more focused on their own problems and not the states. Sometimes its hard to see the big picture. : Pros Its very black and white, no conclusion. ConsThe minorities voices cant be heard. No one stands up or them. : Pros The loser also wins. Cons You end up with a lot of people with little power. : Pros The vote for political views not for how they look or how you like them. Cons There are a lot of people on the list who arent good enough.

: ProsIts very specific, you know what you get. Cons Sometimes the person selected doesnt match your views. System of Election in the State of Israel: Selections are: : General- Everyone over the age of 18 has the right to vote. : Land- The whole land has an election. /: Party/List- The voting is for a party not just one person. : Equal- Everyone has one voice and no one opinion is stronger. : Secret- Everyone has the right to stay anonymous and not share who they voted for. : The number of votes equals the amount of power within the Knesset. Chapter 8: The Legislative Branch: The Knesset: 1. The speaker of the Knesset: Responsible for managing the meetings, setting agenda, outwardly Knesset representation. 2. Parliamentary group: A political party of representatives in the Knesset represents the members of the incoming Knesset party and they are received according to the list that is published before the elections. 3. Coalition: Parties that support the government and corporations. 4. Oppositions: Parties that are not members of the government, they are against and they try to be the alternative to way of the government. 5. Plenum: Meeting of all Knesset members to discuss any topic. Assembly approve laws, certain officials elected (president, state comptroller), discussing state affairs and oversee the work of government. Plenary discussions are open to the public. 6. Committee: Committees of the Knesset, have in depth conversations about certain topics. Committee hearing are closed to the public and guests and experts are invited as needed. Every committee has a chairmen on behalf of the Knesset parties and is responsible for holding meetings and the topics discussed. Messages are: The Knesset party, the finance party, foreign and security committee, educational committee, immigration and absorption committee and more. Jobs of the Knesset: 1. Assembly of representatives: The point of the Knesset is that they hear all the different opinions. A place where everyone can be heard. It could be about elections, president, etc.

2. Establishment of Government: Everything that the government want to do, they need the agreement of the majority of the Knesset, at least 61. 3. Legislative leadership: The Knesset is to determine the laws in the Israel and its a long and complex process. 4. Establish basic laws: Establish a good foundation. (The Constitution) 5. Supervising: Knesset supervises the governments activities and express their opinion on them, if they dont like it, they can oppose it. 6. Keep order: The Knesset chooses certain officials like the president, judges, etc. If someone takes advantage of it, they have to answer to the Knesset. 7. Removing of the Knesset members immunity: The Knesset makes sure that all their members follow the laws and do their job, if someone is suspected of felony, they can revoke their immunity. Immunity of the Knesset members: Specific Immunity: This immunity is granted in order so that they can do their jobs without worrying. It is granted for life in the field that they work with. Disagreeable Immunity: The immunity can be invoked after the member breaks a law and there is a discussion. Its given so that the members wont start faking crimes that the other members did. They can decide based on how good the politician is based on how bad their crime was. Problems with immunity: Its not fair. The members of the Knesset are the ones dealing with the immunity for the members of the Knesset.

Chapter 9: The Executive Branch: The Knesset and the Government: The government cant start working until the Knesset approves. The Knesset has the power to fire the government. The Knesset can question the actions of the government. Knesset has the final say. The government has to listen to everything that the Knesset says. Jobs of the government: Policy and decision making. To give the citizens clauses of the rules. Doing things in the name of the state. (economics, attitude towards the foreigners) In case of emergency the government can give temporary laws.

Process of establishing a government: -Voting: Whoever gets the majority. -The prime minister discusses with all the parties, to figure out who has the most seats and who is the most capable of establishing the government. -Appointing the person to establish said government. -The person now has 28 days to establish the government, if he cant do it in 28 days, than he has an extra 14. If he is incapable of establishing the government than we go back to step one. -This person, presents his idea of the government to the Knesset. -There is a vote to see if everyone agrees with it, this is a vote of confidence that can at any given moment be a vote of disbelief. Defaulting of the government: 1. They finish their term, which is 4 years. 2. The retirement of the prime minister. If he ever decides to retire than the government that he hired, gets fired. 3. If the Prime minister gets fired or dies, Anything that happens to him that wasnt his decision, then the government that he hired gets fired. 4. If there was voting and the outcome was a loss of faith from the Knesset. 5. If were unable to budget correctly. Spending too much, are in debt, etc. *The fired government has to continue working until the next government is hired. Chapter 10: The Judicial Branch: Batai Mishpat Every authority is independent. They dont need to ask the Knesset to always make sure that they are doing the right thing. There are 3 courts, Magistrate, district, and supreme. Magistrate: Its located in different cities around the country. It deals with criminal offenses and penalties up to seven years in prison and civil claims up to one million sheckel. Its also a youth court. It usually has only one judge but sometimes it will have a panel of 3 judges. You can appeal against its ruling at the district court. Its area of Jurisdiction is the cities where its located and the cities around it. District: Its located in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beer Sheva, and Nazereth. It deals with offenses in which the penalty is for over 7 years in prison and civil claims that are more than one million. The number of judges hearing could be a single judge or 3. You can appeal against it in the Supreme court. It also appeals agains the decisions of the Magistrates court and family court. Its area of jurisdiction is the district where the court is located.

Supreme court: Its located in Jerusalem. It deals with appeals against decisions and ruling of district courts. Number of judges can be 3 or more, no more than 11. You cannot appeal against this court. It appeals against the decisions of the district court. Its jurisdiction is the whole country. Sometimes, it is the high court of justice. Sometimes its just the supreme court, other times its job is . Its a court that is for the people to that the government is unfair. Its a court for citizens to try to change or understand the government. Ex. If they are paving a road in your backyard, you would go to this court, but while you are in court decided if they cand o this or not, they will continue working so the court tells them to stop until this issue is resolved. They have to stop until you come to a final conclusion.

Chapter 11: Monitoring and auditing forces of the government: A government official that that tries to solve complaints. We can go the beit Mishpat where people can complain like we just spoke about previously, but if its a small things than we go this government official. This government official isnt just about law but about fairness as well. Ex. If a child is not accepted to a kindergarted because of where he lives, he would go to this government official and they will listen to you and help. Attorney General for the government. Advises the government to tell them that if what they are doing is worthwhile, if it makes sense. If something will cause too many problems or they will get a lawsuit than they will advise the against this action.