Active Citizenship and the Democratic State · 2nd Year · The Architecture of Democracy · Autumn Term

Our President: A Special Person for Ireland

Learn about the President of Ireland as a national figure, what they do for our country, and why they are important.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• NCCA: Primary - Myself and the Wider World - National Identity
• NCCA: Primary - Myself and the Wider World - Leaders

About This Topic

In this topic, students explore the President of Ireland as head of state and a symbol of national unity. They identify the current President, Michael D. Higgins, who lives in Áras an Uachtaráin and performs ceremonial duties: signing bills into law after Oireachtas approval, appointing the Taoiseach and judges on government advice, dissolving Dáil Éireann when requested, and representing Ireland internationally. Students examine special events like state visits, garden parties, and addresses to the nation, answering key questions about the President's identity, actions, and importance to democracy.

This content fits the NCCA Primary curriculum strands in Myself and the Wider World on National Identity and Leaders, within the Architecture of Democracy unit. It helps students appreciate the separation of powers, the President's impartiality above politics, and connections to Ireland's history since 1937. Comparing the President to the Taoiseach clarifies roles in governance.

Active learning suits this topic perfectly. Role-plays of presidential ceremonies, collaborative timelines of past presidents from Douglas Hyde onward, and debates on leadership qualities make abstract roles tangible. These approaches build engagement, critical thinking, and personal connection to citizenship.

Key Questions

1. Who is the President of Ireland?
2. What are some special things the President does?
3. Why is it important to have a President for our country?

Learning Objectives

• Identify the constitutional role and ceremonial functions of the President of Ireland.
• Explain the President's impartiality and how it differs from the political role of the Taoiseach.
• Compare the President's duties in representing Ireland domestically and internationally.
• Analyze the significance of the President as a symbol of national unity and continuity.

Before You Start

Introduction to Irish Government

Why: Students need a basic understanding of how the Irish government is structured, including the roles of the Dáil and the government, before learning about the President's specific position.

Symbols of Ireland

Why: Familiarity with national symbols helps students understand the President's role as a figurehead and symbol of national identity.

Key Vocabulary

Head of State	The chief public representative of a country, who may be a monarch or an elected president. The President of Ireland is the Head of State.
Áras an Uachtaráin	The official residence and workplace of the President of Ireland, located in Phoenix Park, Dublin. It is where many presidential duties are carried out.
Oireachtas	The national parliament of Ireland, consisting of the President, Dáil Éireann (the lower house), and Seanad Éireann (the upper house). Bills must pass here before the President signs them.
Taoiseach	The head of government in Ireland, equivalent to a Prime Minister. The President appoints the Taoiseach on the advice of the Dáil.
Constitutional Role	The specific duties and powers assigned to an office by a country's constitution. The President's constitutional role ensures stability and national representation.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The President runs the government like the Taoiseach.

What to Teach Instead

The President has ceremonial powers only, advised by the government; executive power lies with the Taoiseach and Cabinet. Role-play simulations help students act out advice-giving scenarios, clarifying separation through peer explanations.

Common Misconception

The President is elected directly by all voters.

What to Teach Instead

Election occurs via an electoral college of Oireachtas members and local councillors. Group debates on election processes reveal this nuance, as students compare systems and correct each other in discussions.

Common Misconception

The President is like a king or queen with absolute power.

What to Teach Instead

The role is defined by the Constitution as impartial and limited. Timeline activities show historical context post-monarchy, helping students discuss and visualize democratic limits collaboratively.

Active Learning Ideas

Role-Play: A Day as President

Assign roles like President, Taoiseach, and advisors. Groups simulate signing a bill, appointing a judge, and hosting a visitor: discuss scenario, act it out, then debrief on real duties. Rotate roles for full participation.

45 min·Small Groups

Research Walk: Presidents Gallery

Students research one past President in pairs using provided sheets, create a poster with photo, achievements, and fun fact. Display posters around room for gallery walk where pairs present to others.

50 min·Pairs

Discussion Circle: Why We Need a President

In a whole class circle, pose key questions. Students share ideas on unity and symbolism, vote on most important duty, and create a class mind map linking to daily life.

30 min·Whole Class

Timeline Project: Presidents of Ireland

Individuals or pairs build a class timeline: locate birthplaces, election years, key events. Add photos and quotes, then present one segment to explain evolution of the role.

40 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• Students can observe the President participating in national events like St. Patrick's Day parades or receiving foreign dignitaries, seeing these ceremonial duties in action.
• The President's role in signing legislation into law connects directly to the work of the Oireachtas, demonstrating how laws are formally enacted for all citizens.
• International news often features the President undertaking state visits or hosting world leaders, highlighting their function as Ireland's representative on the global stage.

Assessment Ideas

Exit Ticket

Provide students with three statements about the President's role. Ask them to label each as 'True' or 'False' and briefly explain their reasoning for one statement. For example: 'The President makes all the laws for Ireland.' or 'The President represents Ireland abroad.'

Quick Check

Ask students to write down two things the President does that are different from what the Taoiseach does. Review responses to gauge understanding of distinct roles.

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Why is it important for Ireland to have a President who is separate from the government that makes daily decisions?' Facilitate a class discussion, encouraging students to share their ideas about impartiality and national symbolism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the current President of Ireland?

Michael D. Higgins has served since 2011, re-elected in 2018. He promotes education, poetry, and social justice from Áras an Uachtaráin. Students can track his activities via official website or news for real-time engagement with the role.

What special duties does the Irish President perform?

Duties include assenting to laws, appointing officials on advice, pardoning, and state representation. Special events cover garden parties, international trips, and national addresses. These foster unity, as students explore through videos and guest speakers from local councils.

How can active learning help teach about the President?

Active methods like role-plays of ceremonies or president profile projects make duties interactive. Small group simulations reveal ceremonial limits versus government power, while gallery walks share research. This builds retention, discussion skills, and citizenship awareness beyond rote facts.

Why is the President important for Ireland?

The President symbolizes continuity, impartiality, and national pride in a parliamentary democracy. By upholding the Constitution and uniting diverse views, the role models leadership. Class debates link this to students' lives, reinforcing democratic values and identity.