Politics and Society · 5th Year · Power and Decision-Making in Ireland · 1.º Período

The Irish Political System

An examination of the institutions of the Irish State, focusing on the Oireachtas, the President, and the electoral process. Students will evaluate the effectiveness of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote (PR-STV).

TL;DR:This topic examines the machinery of the Irish State, focusing on the constitutional roles of the Oireachtas, the President, and the judiciary. Students move beyond a basic understanding of 'how a law is made' to critically evaluate the checks and balances within our system. A significant portion of this unit is dedicated to the Irish electoral system, specifically Proportional Representation by means of a Single Transferable Vote (PR-STV), and how it influences the makeup of our government.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• Leaving Certificate Politics and Society, Strand 1, LO 1.3
• Leaving Certificate Politics and Society, Strand 1, LO 1.4

About This Topic

This topic examines the machinery of the Irish State, focusing on the constitutional roles of the Oireachtas, the President, and the judiciary. Students move beyond a basic understanding of 'how a law is made' to critically evaluate the checks and balances within our system. A significant portion of this unit is dedicated to the Irish electoral system, specifically Proportional Representation by means of a Single Transferable Vote (PR-STV), and how it influences the makeup of our government.

By analyzing the effectiveness of our institutions, students develop the ability to evaluate whether the Irish system truly represents the will of the people. This aligns with the NCCA goal of developing informed citizens who can engage with democratic processes. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation, particularly when navigating the complexities of transfer votes and coalition building.

Key Questions

1. How does the Oireachtas function?
2. What is the role of the President?
3. How does the Irish electoral system work?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The President of Ireland has the same political power as the President of the USA.

What to Teach Instead

The Irish President is a non-executive head of state with specific, limited powers. Using a Venn diagram to compare the two roles helps students see the difference between a parliamentary and a presidential republic.

Common Misconception

In PR-STV, giving a second preference vote can hurt your first preference candidate.

What to Teach Instead

A second preference only counts if the first candidate is elected or eliminated. A live demonstration with physical ballot papers is the best way to clear up this common confusion about 'transferring' votes.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game

A PR-STV Mock Election

Students run a mock election for a fictional class council using the PR-STV system. They act as candidates, voters, and returning officers, physically counting ballots and transferring surpluses to understand how 'lower preference' votes can decide an outcome. This makes the mathematical complexity of the Irish system tangible.

60 min·Whole Class

Stations Rotation

The Three Branches of Government

Set up three stations representing the Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary. At each station, small groups analyze a real-world Irish case study (e.g., a Supreme Court ruling or a Seanad debate) to identify the specific powers and limitations of that branch. Groups rotate every 15 minutes to complete a comparison grid.

50 min·Small Groups

Role Play

The President's Dilemma

Students are presented with a controversial (fictional) bill passed by the Oireachtas. In pairs, one student plays the President and the other a legal advisor, debating whether to sign the bill or refer it to the Supreme Court under Article 26. This highlights the President's role as a guardian of the Constitution.

30 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make the Oireachtas feel relevant to 17-year-olds?

Focus on the Seanad and the Dáil committees rather than just the main chamber debates. Show clips of committee hearings where experts are questioned on topics like climate change or housing. When students see that the Oireachtas is where real-world problems are dissected by experts, the institution feels less like a 'talking shop' and more like a working body.

What is the best way to teach the PR-STV counting process?

Avoid using only a whiteboard. Use a hands-on simulation where students are the 'ballots' or use physical tokens. When they physically move from one candidate's pile to another during a transfer, the logic of the 'surplus' and the 'elimination' becomes clear. Active learning turns a confusing math problem into a logical democratic process.

Why does the NCCA emphasize the role of the President in this strand?

The President represents the symbolic and constitutional continuity of the State. Understanding this role helps students distinguish between the 'Government of the day' and the 'State' itself, which is a key concept in political literacy and constitutional law.

How do I handle discussions about the abolition of the Seanad?

Use a structured debate format. Provide students with the arguments from the 2013 referendum. This allows them to evaluate the Seanad's role as a 'house of review' versus the cost and perceived elitism of an un-elected chamber, encouraging critical thinking rather than just memorizing facts.