1. The Irish Constitution
Bunreacht Na hÉireann
The Irish Constitution

2. What is a constitution
A legal document that sets out how Ireland should be governed
There are 50 articles in the Irish constitution
Establishes the government and courts
Describes the fundamental rights of every Irish citizen.

3. History

4. History Passed in July 1937 and came into force December 29 1937
Introduced by Éamon De Valera and Fianna Fáil
75.8% voted for the constitution and 24.2% were against

5. Some Key Articles The 50 Articles are divided up as follows:
Article(s) Theme
The Preamble The Introduction to the Constitution
Articles 1 to 11 They explain exactly what is meant by the state, Ireland
Articles 12 to 14 Describe the role of the President of Ireland
Articles 15 to 27 Deal with the National Parliament
Article 28 Describes the role of the Government
Article 29 Sets out the international arrangements between Ireland and other countries

6. Some key Articles Continued
Articles 30 to 33 Describe the role of some important advisors to the State including the Attorney General
Articles 34 to 39 Explain the court system and how trials should be held
Articles 40 to 44 Set out the rights that people have – personal rights, family rights, education rights, property rights and religious rights
Article 45 Explains how the State should look after the welfare of the Irish people
Articles 46 to 50 Describe how the Constitution can be changed (amended) by a special type of election, called a Referendum, or rewritten altogether

7. The nation
Article 3 declares that it is the "firm will of the Irish Nation" to bring about a united Ireland, provided that this occurs "only by peaceful means", and only with the express consent of the majority of the people in Northern Ireland.

8. The State
The national flag is defined as "the tricolour of green, white and orange"
The Constitution declares that "[the] name of the State is Éire, or, in the English language, Ireland"

9. The President
The President represents all the people of Ireland. He or she makes State visits abroad and also receives other Heads of State on visits to Ireland at the official residence, Áras an Uachtaráin. The President plays an active role in promoting Ireland's image and role in the international arena.

10. Personal Rights
The Constitution recognises and declares that people living in Ireland have certain fundamental personal rights. These rights are natural human rights and are confirmed and protected by the Constitution.
Some examples are…

11. Equality before the law
All citizens in Ireland shall be held equal before the law. This means that the State cannot unjustly, unreasonably or arbitrarily discriminate between citizens. You cannot be treated as inferior or superior to any other person in society simply because of your human attributes or your ethnic, racial, social or religious background.

12. Freedom of expression
You have a right to freely express your convictions and opinions.

13. The right to fair procedures
The courts, and all other bodies or persons making decisions that affect you, must treat you fairly.

14. The right to earn a livelihood
As a citizen, you have a right to work and to earn a living, whether you are male or female.
The State is under a duty to protect your right to work and earn a livelihood from unjust attack.

15. Any others?
Can you think of any other rights which might be part of the constitution?