Government

The Republic of Ireland is governed under the constitution of 1937. The president, who is elected by popular vote for seven years, is largely a figurehead. Parliament consists of the House of Representatives (Dáil Éireann) and Senate (Seanad Éireann). The House has 166 members elected by proportional representation for five years, unless a general election is called at a shorter interval. The Senate has 60 members, of whom 11 are named by the prime minister. The 49 other senators are elected. The Senate cannot reject bills; it can only consider and amend them. Executive power is exercised by the prime minister (the leader of the majority party or coalition) and cabinet responsible to the House.

The judiciary is headed by a Supreme Court, which consists of a chief justice and five other judges. It may, if requested by the president, pass on the constitutionality of newly enacted legislation.

The country is divided into 26 counties and 4 county boroughs.