Politics and Society · 6th Year · Power and Decision-Making · 1.º Período

The Irish Political System

An examination of the institutions of the Irish state, including the Oireachtas, the Presidency, and the electoral system. Students analyze how decisions are made at the national level.

TL;DR:This topic provides a deep dive into the mechanics of the Irish state, focusing on the Oireachtas, the Presidency, and our unique electoral system. Students explore the practicalities of Proportional Representation by means of the Single Transferable Vote (PR-STV) and how it shapes the multi-party landscape of the Dáil. They also examine the constitutional role of the President and the legislative functions of the Seanad.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• LO 1.4: Describe the main institutions of the democratic state in Ireland
• LO 1.5: Analyse the electoral system in Ireland

About This Topic

This topic provides a deep dive into the mechanics of the Irish state, focusing on the Oireachtas, the Presidency, and our unique electoral system. Students explore the practicalities of Proportional Representation by means of the Single Transferable Vote (PR-STV) and how it shapes the multi-party landscape of the Dáil. They also examine the constitutional role of the President and the legislative functions of the Seanad.

For 6th Year students, this is about moving from a general awareness of 'the government' to a precise understanding of how policy is debated, amended, and passed. It connects directly to their role as future voters and active participants in Irish democracy. Students grasp these complex procedural concepts faster through structured simulations of the voting process and mock parliamentary debates.

Key Questions

1. How does the proportional representation system function in Ireland?
2. What are the respective roles of the Dáil and Seanad?
3. How do political parties influence government policy?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The President of Ireland has similar executive powers to the President of the USA.

What to Teach Instead

The Irish President is a largely ceremonial head of state with specific constitutional 'guardian' powers. Comparing the two roles through a Venn diagram helps students distinguish between executive and representative roles.

Common Misconception

A candidate with the most first-preference votes always wins the seat.

What to Teach Instead

Under PR-STV, transfers are vital. A candidate can be elected without reaching the quota if others are eliminated, or lose out to someone with more transfers. A mock count is the best way to correct this.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game

Mock PR-STV Election

The class holds an election for a fictional prize using the PR-STV system. Students act as counters, physically moving 'surplus' votes and eliminating candidates to see how quotas and transfers work in practice.

45 min·Whole Class

Formal Debate

The Future of the Seanad

Students are assigned to 'Abolish', 'Reform', or 'Retain' teams. They must research the current functions of the Seanad and present arguments based on democratic principles and legislative efficiency.

40 min·Small Groups

Stations Rotation

The Path of a Bill

Set up stations representing the stages of a bill (First Stage through to the President's signature). Students move through stations, completing a task at each stage to move their 'bill' forward.

35 min·Small Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Ireland use PR-STV instead of First-Past-The-Post?

PR-STV was chosen to ensure better representation of minorities and to reflect the diversity of public opinion more accurately than First-Past-The-Post. It tends to result in coalition governments, which requires parties to negotiate and find common ground.

What is the difference between the Government and the Oireachtas?

The Oireachtas is the legislature (Dáil, Seanad, and the President), responsible for making laws. The Government (the Taoiseach and Ministers) is the executive branch that proposes laws and runs the state. Most Government members are also members of the Oireachtas.

How can active learning help students understand the Irish political system?

The Irish electoral system is notoriously difficult to understand through reading alone. By running a mock election with real ballot papers and a 'count center,' students see the logic of transfers and quotas. Similarly, role-playing a Dáil debate helps them understand the tension between party whips and individual representation.

What is the role of the Whip system in the Dáil?

The Whip system ensures that party members vote together on key legislation. While it provides government stability, it is often criticized for limiting the independence of individual TDs. Students should explore how this affects the balance of power between the executive and the legislature.