What makes Israel a democracy? Do they have the same type gov't as the U.S.? The same type court system?

Question

.............Do they have the same "values" as are held in the United States? the same political system of government? Do they believe that the Holocaust was the most horrendous atrocity to ever befall mankind?

...and no, I do NOT know the answers.But someone here surely knows the answers.

Answer 1

Israel's governmental system is based on the British model (having a prime minister as a ruling figure, instead of a president). The same applies to basic law practices. This is the case because of the British occupation of Palestine in the 1920-40s.

The belief whether the holocaust was "the worst to ever befall mankind"... well, that's a rather personal issue since each has his/her own opinion. Members of families who lost relatives in the holocaust may agree with that statement because of their personal attachment with the issue... while other individuals may not. It would be rather safe to say that it's true for everybody... every tragedy is as terrible as it is personal. Since you didn't ask about how it reflects on the Palestinians/Lebanese issue I won't get in to it. :)

Answer 2

They are a democracy in that they have an elected government. No nation is a complete democracy. Actually, some of Israel's problems come from its more democratic nature - they have a multitude of political parties and nobody ever gets a simple majority. Every time a major party wins, they have to scramble to form a coalition. I think their system has more in common with European style democracies, with both a prime minister and a president.

There are always differences between a society's stated values and its actual values. Israel has a lot going for it - including a freer press than the United States and a bunch of do-gooders who never give up on holding the government accountable. They also have problems with human rights abuses, disregard for international law, endemic racism, and double standards. As we have very painfully learned in the last five years, they are not alone.

I am not going to rate atrocities, but the Holocaust certainly has caused lasting damage to the human soul. It should neither be exploited nor denied for political purposes.

Answer 3

We consider them a democracy because they share our human rights' ideals, and they have a Western form of government.

I believe Israel recognizes that the holocaust should never be repeated, else they probably would have pushed a button by now.

Answer 4

They are a democracy because their people vote for their leaders. They have a parliamentary form of government unlike our republican form.