The first elected Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) was initially conceptualized with the Declaration of Principles (DOP) signed in Oslo on 19/8/1993, and signed officially in Washington on 13/9/1993. The idea was further developed in the Israel-Palestinian Interim Agreement on West Bank and Gaza Strip(Oslo II) signed officially in Washington on 28/9/1995, in which the structure, jurisdiction, functions, size, and responsibilities of the Council were determined. In fact the Oslo II Agreement was so detailed that constitutes the terms of reference for the council.

Oslo II stipulated that the PLC which form of 88 members and head of the Executive authority, upon it inauguration, is expected to act as the highest authority in the interim phase. The PLC is the body responsible for legislation and from it the majority 80% of the cabinet of the executive authority is appointed.