The government of Israel is considered a parliamentary democracy. A parliament, known as the Knesset, is at the center of the government. The Knesset’s members are elected by the people of Israel and are responsible for setting the basic laws of the country. This elected parliament selects the top leaders of the government - the prime minister (chosen as the head of the government) and a president with little real power. The prime minister heads a cabinet of his selected advisors. Israel also has a court system with a variety of religious and secular courts. The president selects most of the judges on these courts.