On December 29, 1937, the Constitution of Ireland was enacted. This document declared the country’s independence from Britain and established it as a sovereign state. Since then, this constitution has been the cornerstone for all Irish laws and is considered a key part of Irish history and identity. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the Constitution of Ireland and its significance in shaping the nation today. From its background to its current status, read on to learn more about how this document changed Irish history forever.
What is the Constitution of Ireland?
The Constitution of Ireland is the fundamental law of the Republic of Ireland. It establishes the Irish state as a sovereign, independent, and democratic republic. It guarantee certain fundamental rights for its citizens and defines the powers and functions of government. The Constitution was adopted in 1937 and came into force in 1949. It has been amended several times, most recently in 2013.
The Different Parts of the Constitution
The Constitution of Ireland is made up of several different parts, each with its own role and purpose. The main parts are the Preamble, the Articles, and the Schedule.
The Preamble sets out the basic principles of the Constitution, while the Articles contain the substantive rules. The Schedule lists a number of rights and freedoms that are recognized by the Constitution.
Each part of the Constitution plays an important role in shaping our society and our government. Together, they help to ensure that Ireland is a democratic, independent, and sovereign state.
The Preamble to the Constitution
It is the fundamental law of Ireland and sets out the national goals and values of the Irish people. The Preamble to the Constitution states:
In order to establish a sovereign, independent and democratic state;
To promote the common good, with due regard for the dignity and freedom of the individual;
and To cherish all the children of the nation equally …
We, the people of Ireland …
Do hereby adopt … this Constitution.
Fundamental Rights in the Constitution
The Constitution of Ireland protects the fundamental rights of individuals in a number of ways. Firstly, it provides for equality before the law and prohibits discrimination on a number of grounds, including gender, sexual orientation, race and religion. Secondly, it protects the right to life and prohibits torture and inhuman or degrading treatment. Thirdly, it protects the right to personal liberty and security of the person. Fourthly, it protects freedom of expression, conscience and religion. Fifthly, it protects property rights. Sixthly, it provides for the right to education. Finally, it provides for a number of procedural rights in relation to criminal proceedings.
Directive Principles of State Policy
The Constitution of Ireland contains a number of provisions regarding the state’s commitment to certain principles of social and economic justice. These are known as the Directive Principles of State Policy.
The Directive Principles are not legally enforceable, but they do represent the Irish people’s aspirations for a just and fair society. Among other things, the Directive Principles commit the state to promoting the welfare of the people, ensuring equality of opportunity, and protecting private property rights.
The President, Parliament and Government
The President of Ireland is the head of state. The Irish constitution was established in 1937. The President is elected by the people and serves a seven-year term. Parliament is the supreme law-making body in Ireland. It is made up of the President, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. The Government is responsible for the day-to-day running of the country. It is headed by the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the President.
Conclusion
The Constitution of Ireland on December 29, 1937 was a monumental moment in the history of Irish sovereignty. It established the framework for government that is still in place today, and laid out the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens across Ireland. The referendum on this issue marked a turning point for Irish people to have their voices heard and to be able to choose their own future as an independent nation. This important document will continue to shape how democracy works in Ireland for years to come, building on a strong foundation already established by previous generations.
CONSTITUTION OF IRELAND DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | December 29 | Thursday |
| 2023 | December 29 | Friday |
| 2024 | December 29 | Sunday |
| 2025 | December 29 | Monday |
| 2026 | December 29 | Tuesday |
| YEAR | DATE | EVENT |
| 2022 | December 29 | Still Need To Do Day |
| 2022 | December 29 | Constitution of Ireland |
| 2022 | December 29 | International Cello Day |
| 2022 | December 29 | Mongolia Independence Day |
| 2022 | December 29 | National Ha Day |
| 2022 | December 29 | National Pepper Pot Day |
| 2022 | December 29 | Tick Tock Day |
