1. Strand 3
Exploring democracy
PPT 13: Democracy: what is it all about?

2. Democracy
‘Government of the people, by the people, for the people’. Abraham Lincoln
Demos – a Greek word meaning ‘people’ Kratia – a Greek word meaning ‘rule by the people’
Do you see that Ireland is a parliamentary republic?

3. Democracy in Ireland
The Irish Constitution, Bunreacht na hÉireann, sets out the type of government that we have.
The Irish government is called the Oireachtas. (Pronounced ear-ock-tas)

4. Democracy: the President
The President of Ireland is the first citizen in the State.
Áras and Uachtaráin, Phoenix Park, Dublin
Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland
The President of Ireland is elected for seven years.

5. The Dáil Chamber, Leinster House
Democracy – Seanad and Dáil
The Seanad is the Upper House where there are 60 Senators.
They debate and discuss issues and bills and can introduce their own bills too.
158
There are 158 Teachta Dála (TDs) in the Dáil representing 40 constituencies.
Taoiseach
The Taoiseach is the leader of the government.
Tánaiste
The Tánaiste is Deputy Leader.
The Cabinet
The Cabinet is made up of the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and all the Ministers. .
The Dáil Chamber, Leinster House
The civil service is an important part of our democracy. What do civil servants do?

6. Types of elections in Ireland
Democracy: elections
In Ireland, a general election must be held every five years
Types of elections in Ireland
General election
By-election
Presidential election
Seanad election
Local election
European election
Referendum
There are many other small parties too. Find out about them.

7. The road to passing a bill into law
Democracy: laws
The road to passing a bill into law
1 Bill introduced 2 Discussion stage 3 Committee stage 4 Report stage 5 Discussion stage again 6 Goes to the other house 7 Repeats stages 2–5 in this house 8 President signs it into law
A bill must pass every stage to become law.

8. Democracy: citizens
Citizens in a democracy have rights and responsibilities.
Rights … To vote To lobby To protest peacefully To free speech
Responsibilities … To obey the law To keep the peace To treat people equally To respect the rights of others
Name some more rights and responsibilities.