Politics and Society · 6th Year

Active learning ideas

The Irish Political System

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

• 35–45 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Simulation Game
• 45 min · Whole Class

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.

How does the proportional representation system function in Ireland?

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

Activity 02

• Formal Debate
• 40 min · Small Groups

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.

What are the respective roles of the Dáil and Seanad?

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

Activity 03

• Stations Rotation
• 35 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.

How do political parties influence government policy?

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

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

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

  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.

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

  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.

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Methods used in this brief

• Simulation Game
• Formal Debate
• Stations Rotation