Constitution of Ireland
The Constitution of Ireland (Irish: Bunreacht na hÉireann, pronounced [ˈbˠʊnˠɾˠəxt̪ˠ n̪ˠə ˈheːɾʲən̪ˠ]) is the fundamental law of Ireland. It asserts the national sovereignty of the Irish people. The constitution, based on a system of representative democracy, is broadly within the tradition of liberal democracy. It guarantees certain fundamental rights, along with a popularly elected non-executive president, a bicameral parliament, a separation of powers and judicial review.
| Constitution of Ireland | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Original title | Bunreacht na hÉireann |
| Jurisdiction | Republic of Ireland |
| Ratified | 1 July 1937 |
| Date effective | 29 December 1937 |
| System | Unitary parliamentary republic |
| Government structure | |
| Branches | |
| Head of state | President of Ireland |
| Chambers | Bicameral (Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann) |
| Executive | Government of Ireland |
| Judiciary | |
| History | |
| Amendments | 32 |
| Last amended | 11 June 2019 |
| Citation | Constitution of Ireland |
| Supersedes | Constitution of the Irish Free State |
| Full text | |
| Constitution of Ireland (consolidated text) at Wikisource | |
It is the second constitution of the Irish state since independence, replacing the 1922 Constitution of the Irish Free State. It came into force on 29 December 1937 following a statewide plebiscite held on 1 July 1937. The Constitution may be amended solely by a national referendum. It is the longest continually operating republican constitution within the European Union.