Democracy
Jul 07, 2015
Democracy
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
What is Democracy?
Rights and Freedom
1. The right to express your opinion2. The right to vote or run in the elections3. The right to be treated equally, regardless of
race , gender, color or social status4. Freedom to practice your religion5. Freedom to protest against the government if
you disagree with their policies or laws6. Freedom to create or join organisations,
political parties or associations
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.
Constitution/ 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 is where the Irish state keep the laws of Ireland. In Ireland it is called Bunreacht na hÉireann
How Ireland is Governed
Dáil (166 TDs)Dáil (166 TDs)
Seanad (60 Senators)Seanad (60 Senators)
Opposition (parties & Independents not in power)
Opposition (parties & Independents not in power)
Government (parties & Independents in power
Government (parties & Independents in power
PresidentPresident
Oireachtas (Ireland’s national parliament) Oireachtas (Ireland’s national parliament)
President (Uachtaráin na hÉireann)
Roles1. 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
The President is elected by the people and has a term of seven years
Presidents in Ireland
Douglas Hyde Seán T. Ó Ceallaigh Éamon de Valera Erskine Childers
Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh Patrick Hillery Mary Robinson Mary McAleese
Micheal D. Higgins
The Dáil
• Sits in the Leinster House
• 166 elected representatives called TDs (Teachta Dála)
• Divided in 43 areas called Constituencies
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
The Seanad
• Ireland’s senate
• Less powerful than the Dáil
• 60 Senators elected to the Seanad
• Main Role: Consider and Review proposed laws