Politics and Society · 5th Year

Active learning ideas

The Nature of Power

This topic introduces the fundamental concept of power, moving beyond simple definitions of force to explore how influence is woven into the fabric of Irish society. Students examine the theories of key thinkers like Steven Lukes and Robert Dahl to understand the three dimensions of power: decision-making, agenda-setting, and ideological control. By identifying who holds power in Ireland, from the government to interest groups and the media, students begin to see the invisible structures that shape their daily lives.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• Leaving Certificate Politics and Society, Strand 1, LO 1.1
• Leaving Certificate Politics and Society, Strand 1, LO 1.2

• 20–50 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Inquiry Circle
• 40 min · Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: Power Mapping the School

In small groups, students create a visual map of power within the school community, identifying formal authorities like the Board of Management and informal influencers like student cliques or parents' associations. They must categorize each 'power player' using Lukes' three dimensions of power. Groups then present their maps to compare how different perspectives perceive influence.

What is power?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Activity 02

• Formal Debate
• 50 min · Whole Class

Formal Debate: Hard Power vs. Soft Power

The class is divided into two sides to debate whether 'soft power' (culture, values, diplomacy) is more effective than 'hard power' (economic sanctions, military force) in modern international relations. Students must use specific examples, such as Ireland's diplomatic influence in the EU, to support their arguments. This helps students distinguish between different modes of exercising authority.

How is power exercised in society?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Decision-Making

Activity 03

• Think-Pair-Share
• 20 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: The Invisible Power of Norms

Students individually list three things they do every day because of social expectations rather than laws. They pair up to discuss how these norms represent a form of power (ideological control) and then share with the class to identify common themes. This surfaces the concept of 'power as thought control' in a relatable way.

Who holds power in Ireland?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• Power is only held by people in government or positions of formal authority.

  Power is also exercised through social norms, the media, and economic influence. Active mapping exercises help students see that power is relational and exists in every social interaction, not just in the Dáil.

• Power is always a negative or oppressive force.

  Power can be productive, enabling collective action and social progress. Through peer discussion on community projects, students can see how 'power with' others differs from 'power over' others.

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Methods used in this brief

• Inquiry Circle
• Formal Debate
• Think-Pair-Share