Democracy Flashcards
What forms of democracy are in your area?
- Student Council
- Resident Associations
- Parent Councils
- Credit Unions
- Scout and Guide Associations
- GAA and sports clubs
What is the Irish constitution?
The Irish constitution is Burreacht na hÉireann. A referendum is held to change the constitution.
What does the government consist of?
The Oireachtas consists of
- The President
- The Dáil
- The Seanad
What is the presidents role?
- Safeguarding our constitution
- Signing bills to become laws
- Ensuring new laws are constitutional
- Representing Ireland abroad
- Commander-in-chief of the Irish Defence Force
- Giving new government ministers their seal of office
What is the Dáil?
- Sits in Leinster House
- Made up of 166 elected TDs
- TDs elected from 43 different constituencies around Ireland
- Makes decisions and new laws that affect citizens
- Chaired by Ceann Comhairle (Sean Barrett)
What is the Seanad?
- Sits in Keinster House
- 60 Senators
- Represent various sectors e.g. Education
- Review bills the government wants passed
- Less powerful then the Dáil
What is the government?
- Decided by a general Election
- Usually formed by the party that get the majority of votes
Coalition Government: Made of different parties
What are the functions of the government?
- Makes new laws
- Manage financial affairs of the country
- Oversee social affairs of the country
- The provision of essential services
- Forge links with other countries
What is the attorney general?
Chief legal advisor to the government
What is the civil service?
Advises government on policy an is responsible for the day-to-day running of the government.
What is the taoiseach’s role?
- Provide leadership
- Control government business
- Appoints and dismisses ministers
- Chairs cabinet meetings
- Nominates senators
- Defends government decisions
- Meets with EU and world leaders
How can you influence the government?
- Join an interest group
- Get involved with a pressure group
- Organise a sign or petition
- Lobby politicians
- Participate in a protest or protest match
- Strike
What are the 4 mail political parties?
- Fine Gael
- Labour Party
- Green Party
- Fianna Fáil
What is a candidate?
A candidate is a person running for an election. People elect candidates to represent them.
What votes do Irish citizens vote in?
- General Elections
- By-Elections
- Presidential Elections
- European Elections
- Local Elections
- Referendums
What is direct rule?
When political parties refuse to share power with each other, the state takes over e.g. If two parties would not co-operate in Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland will then be directly ruled by the British Government
What is democracy?
Democracy is a form of government in Ireland. It means ‘Ruke by the People’. It is based on majority rule and minority rights.
How old must you be to vote?
18
What do local authorities do?
- Pass Legislation
- Give Planning Permission
- Appoint Attorney General
- Give Planning Permission
Where does the Dáil meet?
Leinster House
Where does the president live?
Áras an Uachtarán
Who was the First Lady elected into government?
Countess Markievicz
How many TDs were elected this year?
158
How many constituencies are there?
40
What is a coalition government?
A government with more then one party
How long does the president serve?
7 years
What is the Ceann Comhairle?
The chairperson of the Dáil
Who are amnesty international?
A charity working for human rights
Where do the senators meet?
Seanad Éireann
What is the Irish constitution called?
Bunreacht na hÉireann
How is the constitution changed?
A referendum is held
Where is Leinster House?
Kildare Street
Does the president approve changes to the constitution?
Yes
