Politics and Society · 5th Year

Active learning ideas

The Irish Political System

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

• 30–60 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Simulation Game
• 60 min · Whole Class

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.

How does the Oireachtas function?

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Decision-Making

Activity 02

• Stations Rotation
• 50 min · Small Groups

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.

What is the role of the President?

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Activity 03

• Role Play
• 30 min · Pairs

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.

How does the Irish electoral system work?

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

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

  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.

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

  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.

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Methods used in this brief

• Simulation Game
• Stations Rotation
• Role Play