Democracy

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