Democracy is a form of government where the people have the power to decide who will rule their country. It is derived from two Greek words meaning "people" and "to rule." Key rights in a democracy include freedom of expression, the right to vote, equality under the law, freedom of religion, and freedom to protest. The Irish Constitution, or Bunreacht na hÉireann, outlines how Ireland is governed, including the roles of political figures and citizens' fundamental rights. It establishes a parliamentary system with a president, Dáil (lower house with 166 TDs), and Seanad (senate with 60 senators). The president signs bills into law, acts as commander-in-chief, and

1. Democracy

2. What is Democracy?
• A form of government
• Two Greek words: Demos = People
Kratia = To Rule
• The people has the power to decide
who will run their country

3. What is Democracy?

4. Rights and Freedom
1. The right to express your opinion
2. The right to vote or run in the elections
3. The right to be treated equally, regardless of
race , gender, color or social status
4. Freedom to practice your religion
5. Freedom to protest against the government if
you disagree with their policies or laws
6. Freedom to create or join organisations,
political parties or associations

5. Constitution/ Bunreacht na
hÉireann
The Constitution is where the Irish state keep the laws of Ireland. In Ireland it is
called Bunreacht na hÉireann
Bunreacht na hÉireann shows how Ireland is governed, the key laws of state the
roles and power of key political figures and the rights we are entitled to as Irish
citizens
The Constitution contains a strong set of fundamental rights at Articles 40-44, e.g. rights to
equality before the law, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, education, etc. The
courts may issue binding decisions that legislation is unconstitutional if it breaches these
fundamental rights.

6. How Ireland is Governed
President
Oireachtas (Ireland’s national
parliament)
Seanad (60 Senators)
Opposition (parties &
Independents not in
power)
Dáil (166
TDs)
Government
(parties &
Independents in
power

7. President (Uachtaráin na
hÉireann)
The President is elected by the people and has a term of seven years
Roles
1. Signing Bills before they became a law
2. The Commander – in – Chief of our defence
forces
3. Protecting our constitution
4. Act and speak for Ireland abroad

8. Presidents in Ireland
Douglas Hyde
Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh
Seán T. Ó Ceallaigh
Patrick Hillery
Micheal D. Higgins
Éamon de Valera
Erskine Childers
Mary Robinson
Mary McAleese

9. The Dáil
• Sits in the Leinster House
• 166 elected representatives called TDs (Teachta Dála)
• Divided in 43 areas called Constituencies

10. Main Functions of Dáil
•
To make or pass new laws
• To advise the government on the social,
economic and financial life of the
country
• To debate issues of the day
• To make decisions on behalf of Irish
citizens

11. The Seanad
•
Ireland’s senate
•
Less powerful than the Dáil
•
60 Senators elected to the Seanad
•
Main Role: Consider and Review proposed
laws