Irish Constitution Overview Quiz

The fundamental law of a state, outlining its structure, powers, and rights.

The three distinct areas of governmental authority: legislative, executive, and judicial.

The supreme power of a state to govern itself without external control.

The principle of dividing governmental authority among different branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

The power of the judiciary to review and invalidate laws or actions of the executive or legislative branches if they violate the constitution.

A legal principle established by a court in a previous case that serves as a guiding rule for future cases with similar issues.

A legal system based on judicial decisions (precedents) rather than solely on statutes.

A flexible constitution can be easily amended, while a rigid one requires a more complex process.

The legal rule or principle that determined the outcome in a previous case. It's the reason for the decision.

Statements of law made in a case that are not part of the ratio decidendi. They are things said incidentally.

The ability to interpret precedents differently, especially when multiple judges contribute to a decision. This can lead to ambiguity about the ratio decidendi.

A non-binding decision from a previous case that can be considered influential, even if not legally binding.

The process of interpreting a law made by Parliament.

The process of interpreting the Constitution, the supreme law of the land.

Interpreting the words of a legal text in their plain and ordinary meaning.

Interpreting a legal text in a way that creates consistency with other parts of the text. It aims for a unified interpretation.

Interpreting a legal text based on its original intent and understanding at the time it was created.

Using contemporary values and societal views to interpret the meaning of fundamental rights.

Universally valid principles of human conduct that exist independently of and are superior to positive law.

The Irish Parliament, consisting of the Dáil (lower house) and Seanad (upper house).

The upper house of the Irish Parliament, also known as the Senate.

A specific article or clause in the Constitution of Ireland.

Three members of the Seanad are elected by Trinity College Dublin (TCD), and three by the National University of Ireland (NUI).

The principle that all citizens should have equal opportunities to participate in elections, regardless of their background or affiliation.

Students at third-level institutions (like universities) living away from home during term time can register their voting address regardless of their home address.

Incumbent TDs and Senators cannot be treated more favorably than other candidates when it comes to limits on campaign spending.

To vote in a Dail election, you must be 18 years old, an Irish citizen, and not be disqualified by law.

To be elected as a TD, you must be 21 years old, an Irish citizen, and not be disabled or incapacitated by law.

To appear on the ballot paper, candidates must pay a €500 deposit, be nominated by a registered political party, or get the written support of 30 voters.

Voting in Dail elections is strictly confidential, with measures in place for voters with disabilities or literacy challenges.

TDs (members of the Dail) are elected from specific geographical areas called constituencies, with the total number of TDs falling within a defined range set by the constitution.

There are limits on campaign spending by both candidates and political parties, with public funding available and donations capped and subject to disclosure.

The Seanad consists of 49 elected members and 11 nominated members, with 43 serving as representatives of different vocational groups and 6 representing universities.

The Irish Constitution does not provide for, or recognise, subordinate legislatures – bodies with law-making authority below the Oireachtas (parliament).

Ministers and other bodies can create rules and regulations under powers given to them by parliament, but this is not the same as 'making laws for the state' which is the exclusive domain of the Oireachtas.

Powers delegated to ministers or other bodies can be classified as regulatory (affecting broad rules) or administrative (affecting specific cases).

An act by a person or body that exceeds the authority granted to them by law is considered ultra vires.

This part of the 1946 Act allowed private parties to create employment terms and conditions, essentially making their own 'laws' in this area.

This constitutional provision states that the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) has the exclusive power to make laws, ensuring that no other body or group can make laws without its authority.

This Latin term means 'beyond the powers'. It refers to an action taken by a body or individual exceeding their legal authority or jurisdiction.

This refers to the transfer of law-making authority from one body (e.g., Parliament) to another (e.g., a minister).

This concept provides special protection to members of Parliament, ensuring their freedom of speech and their ability to perform their duties without fear of legal action.

This refers to the process of applying the law to resolve disputes and enforce rights.

This case established a five-point test to determine if a body is administering justice, ensuring that only courts can hold this power.

This legal term refers to the right of a person to bring a legal action or challenge a decision.

This case dealt with the validity of Sectoral Employment Orders (SEOs) made by the Labour Court, testing if the court had the power to register these agreements and if they were constitutional.

This case raised the question of whether the Minister for Environment had been given too much power in relation to planning decisions, potentially violating the Oireachtas' exclusive right to make laws.

These articles deal with the administration of justice and the independence of the judiciary. They guarantee that the courts are free from interference and are responsible for upholding the law.

These laws govern employment relations, including issues like unfair dismissal and worker protections.

This case involved a challenge to the constitutionality of sections of the Workplace Relations Act 2015 and Unfair Dismissal Act 1977, focusing on issues of fairness and due process.

A legal question that a court can consider and decide. It must be a real dispute between parties, not just an abstract policy question.

A specific target set for achieving a goal, like reducing carbon emissions by a certain year.

The details and clarity of a plan are clear enough to evaluate if it's achievable and credible.

A situation where an individual has a personal interest that could influence their judgment on a matter, potentially leading to bias.

An action taken by the government that is authorized by the constitution or law.

When a government action unintentionally or unknowingly violates someone's fundamental rights.

The right of home-schooled children to access education and opportunities, protected by the Constitution.

A set of criteria used by courts to determine if a process amounts to the 'administration of justice' as required by the Constitution.

Powers and duties of a non-court body that involve resolving disputes and applying legal principles, but restricted to a specific area.

This article safeguards the right to access the courts for the administration of justice - even by non-court bodies carrying out limited judicial functions.

The principle that judges operate free from undue influence by the government or other external forces, ensuring impartiality.

A landmark case that challenged the constitutionality of Personal Injury Guidelines, questioning the proper role of the judicial council and the executive.

The power to implement and enforce laws, which in Ireland rests with the Government, not the President.

The Irish Parliament with the power to select the Taoiseach (Prime Minister), approve ministers, and hold the government accountable.

The executive branch, headed by the Taoiseach, responsible for implementing laws and making decisions.

Inherent rights and powers of a sovereign state, particularly concerning matters like controlling borders and international relations.

The head of state, primarily symbolic, representing the nation in international relations.

The right to vote in elections.

The process of selecting and proposing a candidate for the presidential election.

The President of Ireland serves a seven-year term and can be elected for a maximum of two terms. A high level of political consensus is necessary to remove a President.

The President of Ireland is often viewed as a figurehead, primarily endorsing decisions made elsewhere. However, they have independent judgment in key areas.

The President of Ireland has independent decision-making power regarding referring bills to the Supreme Court, refusing a dissolution of the Dail, and resolving conflicts between the Dail and Seanad.

Until the 1990s, the Irish President was primarily seen as a symbol of national unity and political consensus. Mary Robinson shifted this role by subtly promoting specific values and ideas.

Before the 1948 Republic of Ireland Act, the British King fulfilled external functions like international relations. This role was then transferred to the President of Ireland.

The Irish President's powers are subject to a double lock. First, they are conferred by law. Second, Article 5 limits the government's foreign policy conduct, further restricting the President.

Ireland's legal system is dualist, meaning international agreements are not automatically part of domestic law unless the Oireachtas (parliament) incorporates them.

The Oireachtas decides how and when international treaties become part of Irish domestic law. It controls the extent of the treaty's application.

Ministers in Ireland have significant power to make regulations implementing EU law. But, this power is limited by relevant EU law.

This section allows ministers to make regulations to implement EU law. Its application is guided by the principles and policies found in relevant EU measures.

In 2007, S 3 was amended to allow for the creation of indictable offences within certain limitations, expanding the power to implement EU law.

In Ireland, treasure trove, valuable objects found in the ground, belongs to the state. However, finders may be entitled to a reasonable reward.

This case involved a father and son who found treasure trove on private land. The court ruled that treasure trove belongs to the State, but that the finders could claim a reasonable reward.

This case involved fishing vessels registered in Northern Ireland fishing for mussels in Irish waters. The Supreme Court ruled that such activity violated the Irish constitution.

This case challenged the government's climate change plan, arguing it didn't adequately protect constitutional and human rights. The High Court rejected the challenge.