A Plain English Guide to Citizenship · PDF fileA Plain English Guide to Citizenship Terms ......

A Plain English Guideto Citizenship Terms

76 Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin 1

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5655 Guide cover/back 9/23/05 12:16 PM

A Plain English Guideto Citizenship Terms


Published by

National Adult Literacy Agency76 Lower Gardiner StreetDublin 1

© 2005 National Adult Literacy Agency

The copyright in this guide belongs to theNational Adult Literacy Agency.

ISBN 1-871737-55-9

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of theNational Adult Literacy Agency.

Disclaimer:Please note that these descriptions are a guide only and are not legaldefinitions.


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Foreword for NALA

This publication aims to provide an introduction to an area that is not always agreedupon by everyone: the realm of ‘active citizenship’. Unlike the definitions in previousNALA plain English guides, which were accepted as standard, some of the definitionsin this guide are contested. The very fact that this is the case raises a very importantaspect of citizenship and citizenship education and that is the built-in notion ofappreciating difference between ourselves and other ‘citizens’.

Encouraging citizenship through education is what the 2005 European Year ofCitizenship through Education is all about. One of the key goals of the Year is to raiseawareness of how education can help develop democratic citizenship andparticipation, as well as greater understanding and respect for diversity and humanrights. The Year is about how all of us can be encouraged and supported to take partmore fully in the lives of our community and beyond, and how we can be confidentlyinvolved in the decision-making that affects our lives and the lives of others.

Citizenship as a concept or reality is not new, but in recent times it has become morepopular in public and educational debate. What is clear from these discussions is thatthere are many ways of describing or understanding citizenship, depending on whois talking. A common method is to refer to someone’s legal status within a particularcountry. For example, if you hold an Irish passport, it means that you are legally anIrish citizen and can expect to enjoy all the rights and responsibilities that go alongwith being so.

As an Irish citizen, you can expect to have three different but overlapping rights.These are

Political rights allow you to take part in politics, to vote and to take part indeveloping our society.

Civil rights allow individual freedom, for example the right to express your ownopinion.

Social and economic rights cover your economic welfare, allow you to share in thesocial heritage – the practices, rights and rules that are passed from one generationto the next – and the right to live a decent life compared with the general standardsof living enjoyed by everyone else in the country.

Political rights

Social andeconomic rights

Civil rights

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All these rights are accompanied by responsibility to ourselves and to others. In ourview, these rights are the baseline of citizenship; the foundations upon which peoples’‘active citizenship’ can grow.

However, the concept of citizenship goes beyond the legal definition that denotes aperson’s national status and capacity to vote. The notion of citizenship is essentiallyabout the relationship we have with society and others in society: How do we relateto our fellow citizens? How do we relate with the structures that govern us?

Lastly but fundamentally, it is about human flourishing, which involves enjoying rightsand exercising responsibilities in various types of communities – from local to global.Active citizenship then refers to people having the ability and opportunity to takepart in every aspect of the life of a society, including the decisions that affect them.

Of critical importance in any relationship between ourselves and others is the balanceof power. Often, language can impose barriers that prevent people from accessingpower, and more frequently it can be used to exclude people and prevent them fromexercising their rights and responsibilities as citizens. This publication represents anattempt to ‘demystify’ and throw light on a concept that belongs to us all. We hopethat it puts into plain English the terms and concepts that people use commonly and,in so doing, help any of us who up to now may have felt excluded from debates aboutcitizenship.

Aidan A. CliffordDirector of City of Dublin VEC Curriculum Development UnitNational Co-ordinator, Education for Democratic Citizenship - Ireland

Sandra GowranProject Co-ordinator, Citizenship2005.ie.2005 European Year of Citizenship through Education - Ireland

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Absentee ballotIn some cases, if registered voters are notable to get to a polling station, they areallowed to fill in the ballot paper and post itto the Board of Elections before the date ofthe election.

Absolute monarchyA government where a monarch (a king,queen or emperor) holds total power, andcan make laws without having to consult aparliament or the people

Absolute povertyWhen people do not have the necessities oflife like food, housing or clothing; the term isused mostly when talking about developingcountries, but there are people in Irelandwho live in absolute poverty.

AccessRight or ability to get education, jobs andservices.See also Equality.

Act of ParliamentLaw the parliament (or legislature) makes

Active citizenshipActive citizenship aims to make it possiblefor everyone to take part in all aspects ofsociety including the following areas ofactivity:• cultural,• economic,• political, and• community.

When society promotes active citizenship, itaims to support:• personal fulfilment,• democratic participation,• social inclusion, and• a job for everyone who wants it.

Active citizenship is also about the people ofa country being able to:• make informed choices and decisions,

and• take action on their own and with other

people.

Active communitiesCommunities in which citizens have thepower to decide how to lead their ownfulfilling lives. It also includes communitieswhere no matter what their age, race orsocial background, everyone has a stake insociety and a sense of belonging.

Active learningThe process of ‘learning by doing’. In thistype of education, the learner actively takespart in the learning instead of passivelyreceiving information. Individuals or groupslearn better when they learn in this way.People benefit from a variety of teachingmethods; for example, role play, debate,discussion, and project work.

ActivistSomeone who pursues a cause vigorously –especially a political or social cause

Adult Basic Education (ABE)Education for adults that aims to developthe skills needed (such as literacy andnumeracy) to fully take part in society

AgendaA list of items that will be discussed at ameeting

Alliance PartyPolitical party based in Northern Ireland thatis not aligned to either Republicanism orUnionism

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Absentee ballot Aa


AmendmentA change to the detail of a Bill, an Act or theConstitution

AmnestyA general pardon or immunity, often soughtwhere human rights have been abused

AnalyseExamine the details of something carefullyso that you can understand or explain it

AnarchyA society with political and social disordercaused by lack of government control andlaws

AnnexationTake over an area under the control of aruler or a state and add it to a larger state

AnthemA song of praise, often about a particularcountry, when it is called a national anthem

Anti-social behaviour Any behaviour likely to cause harassment,alarm or distress

Anti-Social Behaviour Order(ASBO)A legal order that the court can makeagainst anyone over the age of 10 years toprevent anti-social behaviour. It is a criminaloffence to disobey the order.

Áras an UachtaráinOfficial home of the President of Irelandwhich is in the Phoenix Park, Dublin 7

AristocracyRuling system based on social class, wealth,noble birth, superiority and elites

ArmisticeStage in a war when both sides suspendfighting to discuss possible peace terms

AssemblyA number of people gathered together for aspecial purpose – sometimes as a law-making body, as in the Northern IrelandAssembly

AssimilateAdopt the culture of, and become similar to,the citizens of a country to which you havemoved

AssimilationWhen people of different ethnic originsdevelop, or are urged to develop, the basicattitudes, habits and ways of life of anothernational cultureSee also Integration.

AsylumWhat a state grants to an asylum seeker thatlets them stay in a country to avoid threat ofharm in their home country

Asylum seekerPerson who wants to be recognised as arefugee under the terms of the UnitedNations Convention of 1951

Attorney GeneralMain legal advisor to the Irish Government

BbBackbenchThe seats occupied in the Dáil by any memberof the Irish Government who is not a minister

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Aa Amendment


Balance of powerDescription of how power is held; relevantwhen a major political party wants to form agovernment but needs support from asmaller party or independent members ofparliament, in which case the smaller partyor independent members then hold the‘balance of power’ and may cause it to shiftif they withdraw this support

BallotWay of voting, usually done using a ballotpaper

Ballot paperPaper used for a registered voter to recordtheir votes without revealing their identity.The paper lists the names of the people(candidates) who are seeking election. Thevoter marks their choices on the ballotpaper. Irish election ballot papers containthe names of the candidates, which appearin alphabetical order, together with theirphotographs and their party emblem (ifthey wish).

BargainingAgreement reached through negotiationbetween two or more people or groups

BenchmarkingTrying to make the salaries of civil andpublic servants the same as those of peopledoing similar work in the private sector,sometimes to keep staff in the civil andpublic service and discourage them frommoving to the private sector. The IrishGovernment first introduced it as part of thePPF (Programme for Prosperity andFairness).

‘Best practice’ or ‘goodpractice’Carrying out a job or providing a servicealong guidelines that have been found towork very well

BiasFavouring one argument or person overothers – usually unfairly; prejudice

Bill (law)A proposal for a new law or change to anexisting law. A Bill must pass through fivestages and once voted through by theOireachtas, the President of Ireland mustsign it before it becomes law. It is then calledan Act.

BiodiversityThe range of differences among livingorganisms of all kinds (on land and in water)including the environment where they live;includes diversity within species, betweenspecies and of environments

BipartisanshipCo-operation on an issue or issues by twopolitical parties, usually the two majorparties controlling a government

BMWBorder, Midlands and Western Region, the 13counties granted this regional title for thepurposes of distributing European UnionStructural Funds

Borough councilA type of local authority, usually in biggertowns. There are five borough councils inIreland: Clonmel, Drogheda, Kilkenny, Sligoand Wexford.

BrainstormingA way for a group to freely express theirideas on an issue or topic in group work oractive learning settings. The leaderuncritically accepts and notes everysuggestion or idea. The leader encouragesthose taking part to give their ideas andopinions freely and will consider all of them– they do not have back them up withreasons, logic or ways of doing. 5

Balance of power Bb


Bunreacht na hÉireannThe Irish Constitution – the publication thatoutlines the principles of the State and howthe State should be governed. New lawsmust be written in line with the guidelinesin the Constitution.

BurqaA garment that a Muslim woman wears tocover herself from head to foot

CcCabinetThe group of senior ministers in agovernment who decide governmentpolicy. The Taoiseach (the leader of the IrishGovernment) selects the members of theCabinet. In Ireland the Cabinet is made upof the Taoiseach, all Government ministersand the Attorney General. The Cabinet isresponsible for all the Departments of Stateand for the day-to-day business of the IrishGovernment. Discussions at Cabinetmeetings are confidential.

Campaign1. Organised competition for votes by

people who are seeking election or aparticular outcome from a referendum

2. Using the media, marches, writtensubmissions, public meetings and otherforms of communication and protest tochange the behaviour of government,business, other large institutions or thegeneral population

CandidateSomeone who goes up for election to arepresentative office

CanvassingTrying to win votes by contacting votersdirectly, for example by going door to dooror by using telephone, email and theInternet

CapitalMoney or wealth needed to produce goodsand services.See also social and cultural capital.

CathaoirleachIrish for chairman, for example LocalAuthority Chairman, who is elected everyyear in each local authority from among theelected local authority members and whochairs their meetings

CaucusA group or a meeting of people; especiallyrefers to members of a political party withpower to decide on policy

CauseGoal or aim of a group of people, normallyfor social or political change, for examplepreserving the environment is the cause ofenvironmentalists

CEShort for Community Employment and alsofor Community Education

Ceann ComhairleThe Chairperson of the Dáil (the lower houseof the Irish Parliament), who chairs itsproceedings and must try to ensure that allparties and independent members aretreated fairly

Celtic TigerTerm to described the boom in the Irisheconomy in the late 1990s and the first fewyears of this century

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Bb Bunreacht na hÉireann


Censorship of PublicationsBoardAn independent board set up by law toexamine books and magazines for sale, withpower to ban publications that it decidesare obscene

CensusA detailed count of every person living inIreland on a particular date, includingpeople who don’t usually live here, whichtakes place every five years and is carriedout by the Central Statistics Office (CSO)

Central Criminal CourtA court that deals with serious criminalcases not dealt with by the Circuit Court

CentreIn politics this refers to a person or politicalparty with moderate political opinions orpolicies. It is the middle point of politicalopinion where ‘far right’ is extremeconservatism and ‘far left’ is extremesocialism

ChancellorHolder of a high office of state, as inGermany and Austria, where it is the title forthe leader of the government. In the UK, thefinance minister is called the Chancellor ofthe Exchequer.

CharityHelp, money or resources to those in need,usually a response to the signs of poverty ordisadvantage

Chief JusticeHead of the Supreme Court, the highestcourt in Ireland

Chief State Solicitor’s OfficeOffice within the Attorney General’s officethat acts as the solicitor to Ireland, theAttorney General, Government departmentsand offices and State agencies

Chief WhipMember of Irish Government who isresponsible for organising and co-ordinatinggovernment business in Dáil Éireann

Circuit CourtRegional court that deals with some civilcases, a wide range of family law cases andcriminal cases; also hears appeals fromDistrict Court decisions

CitizenMember of a city, state or nation who enjoysits rights and protection, and of whomloyalty is expected; involves issues relatingto rights and duties, but also ideas ofequality, diversity and social justice

Citizens’ Information Centres(CICs)Independent services offering free andconfidential information, advice andadvocacy on social and civil services

CitizenshipA legal term to show a person’s nationalstatus (see below for Irish citizenship) andmore broadly, involving rights andresponsibilities in various types ofcommunities

Irish citizenship applies to:• anyone born in Ireland if one of their

parents was an Irish citizen at the timeof their birth, or

• anyone born abroad if one of theirparents was born in Ireland.

A child who was born in Ireland after 1January 2005, neither of whose parents wasan Irish citizen, will not be an Irish citizenunless one of the parents was lawfully livingin Ireland for at least three out of the fouryears before the child’s birth.

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Censorship of Publications Board Cc


Citizenship educationEducation for the whole person that aims todevelop the ability to think critically and actresponsibly while taking part in political,economic, social and cultural life

Citizenship rightsRights that are enjoyed by a citizen, such asthe right to vote and to live permanently ina particular country

City and County DevelopmentBoardsBoards set up in Ireland to bring togetherthe key Government agencies and bodies indifferent areas to engage in long-termplanning for counties over 10 years. Thereare 34 Boards in Ireland.

City councilsLocal authorities with responsibility forservices including housing, planning, roads,water supply and recreation facilities inparticular cities. There are five city councilsin Ireland.

Civic participation orengagementPeople using the freedoms of democracy todo things like signing a petition, contactingtheir local councillor, voting, standing forelection and becoming informed on issues

Civil rightsRights that allow someone to live freely in asociety and be fairly treated and areoutlined in the Covenant on Civil andPolitical Rights that was adopted by theUnited Nations Assembly in 1966

Civil lawLaw that regulates relations betweenindividuals or between individuals andcorporations, and deals with property rights,personal dignity and freedom and personalinjury

Civil libertyFreedom to act, gather together with otherpeople, think or speak as you wish, which isregulated only as much as is needed for thegood of other people’s basic human rights

Civil renewalDeveloping strong, active and empoweredcommunities, in which people are able to:• do things for themselves,• define the problems they face, and • tackle problems in partnership with

public bodies

Civil serviceOfficials who advise and assist Governmentministers in running their departments

Civil warA war in which different groups within aparticular country fight one another, forexample the war between the pro- and anti-treaty forces in Ireland in the 1920s orbetween the northern and southern statesof the United States of America in the 1860s

Collateral damageThe description by military forces of theunintentional damage to buildings anddeaths of civilians during war

Comment bookPlace where someone who has an interest inan organisation or a service can write theirviews on a particular subject, area or service;sometimes known as customer complaintsbook

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Cc Citizenship


Common good, TheSomething done ‘for the common good’benefits all of the people involved.

Common lawLaw that is based only on the customaryway of doing things in a society or on courtdecisions, as distinct from statute law

Common Travel AreaArea that includes the United Kingdom,Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands and Isleof Man, in which we can move withoutbeing controlled by immigration, except inlimited circumstances

CommonwealthTerm that normally describes a group ofcountries or peoples united by a commoninterest, in particular the Commonwealth ofNations, whose members used to make upthe British Empire

CommunismAn economic and political system proposedby Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels and putinto place after the Bolshevik revolution inRussia in 1917, in which people share theownership of all goods and property; also asystem such as in the former Soviet Unionwhere the government controls everyaspect of a citizen’s life and denies politicalfreedoms

Communist PartyPolitical party that sticks to the principles ofcommunism

CommunistSomeone who supports communism

CommunityGroup of people who hold something incommon. Community has tended to beassociated with two key aspects: first, peoplewho live in the same area; second, peoplewho are ‘communities of interest’ becausethey share an identity – for example Afro-Caribbean people or people with aparticular disability.

Community Alert AreaLocal scheme where members of thecommunity watch out for each other toprotect against crime

Community Awareness ofDrugs (CAD)A network of voluntary workers who work toprevent drug misuse in their area, mainlythrough providing educational activities,with the help of other people in theircommunities

Community capacity buildingActivities, resources and support thatstrengthen the abilities of people andcommunity groups to take effective actionand leading roles in developing theircommunities

Community DevelopmentProgramme (CDP)Irish Government programme fordeveloping and funding local CommunityDevelopment Projects

Community developmentA process of people working together tochange and improve the quality of theirlives, the communities in which they live andthe society of which they are part

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Comment book Cc


Community engagementA process of working with groups of peoplewith a common bond to deal with issuesaffecting the well-being of those people;also helping people to understand andexercise their powers and responsibilities ascitizens, which gives them the power toorganise groups to work for their commongoodSee also Civil renewal.

Community enterpriseA social enterprise or initiative run by acommunity that may trade, or haveambitions to trade, and often takes placewhere social, cultural and economicresources are limited

Community policingLocal people directly involved in policingthe community with the support ofspecialist gardaí

Community sector1. People and groups who use ‘community

development’ principles to achievesocial change, justice and equality

2. A broad range of groups andorganisations, not all of which applycommunity development principles,including small informal communitygroups, large multi-purpose communityorganisations, groups that cover theentire range of policy and services andother groups from nurseries andcommunity centres to tenants’associations and sports groups.

See also Community development.

ConflictClash, fight, or disagreement between twoor more sides, which may be short term ormore rooted and long term

Conflict resolutionRange of responses to conflict that aims tohelp people to understand and resolve itSee also Conflict.

Congress (USA)National law-making body or parliament ofthe United States of America, consisting ofthe Senate and the House ofRepresentatives

ConsensusAgreement that is generally acceptable

ConservationAct of protecting and enhancing natural andcultural heritage; using resources wisely andnot wastefully

ConservativeGenerally a person or political party whowishes to keep things the way they are andmaintain traditional values, in politicsconservative people or parties are alsocalled ‘right’, ‘right wing’ or ‘right of centre’

Constituency1. A set political geographic area, which

has a specified number of politicalrepresentatives

2. The voters or area that a TD represents

Constituency boundaryLine on a map around an area that marksout a political constituency

ConstitutionSet of principles used by an organisation,including a country or a state, to govern, orthe document setting out those principles;in Ireland the title of the Constitution isBunreacht na hÉireann

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Cc Community engagement


ConsultantAn external advisor hired to provide advice,planning, training or expert knowledge andexperience

ConsumerPerson who buys goods and services

Convention1. Formal meeting of members,

representatives or delegates like apolitical party, fraternal society,profession or industry, the group thatattends this assembly

2. Agreement between states or sides,especially an international statement ofprinciple dealing with a specific subject,for example the European Conventionon Human Rights

Convention on the Rights ofthe ChildUnited Nations agreement that recognisesthe human rights of children

Co-operative learning Learning from and with others

Corporate socialresponsibilityDuty of businesses to take responsibility forthe effect they have on the economy, societyand the environment

Council of StateMost senior advisory body to the President,consisting of current and past Taoisigh (IrishPrime Ministers), Presidents, Chief Justices,the Ceann Comhairle, the Cathaoirleach ofthe Seanad and the Attorney General

Councillor, localPerson elected to a county, city or urbandistrict council

County or city managerPerson appointed to manage a localauthority

CourtAn institution presided over by a judge that:• manages justice,• decides if someone accused of a crime is

innocent or guilty, and • makes sure that people’s legal rights are

protected.

Court of Criminal AppealCourt that hears some appeals relating tocriminal convictions or sentences that werepreviously set in the Circuit Court, CentralCriminal Court or the Special Criminal Court

Critical analysisInvestigating, interpreting, presenting andreflecting on issues; going beyond simpleexplanations and exploring issues in a morecomplex way

Cultural rightsRights of a community to have its culturalidentity respected, broadly concerned with‘identity’, including language, membershipof groups, communities and issues ofheritage

Cultural capitalResources not based on finance but on skills,knowledge, custom and education. A groupwith high cultural capital has goodopportunities to take part in the life andculture of their society.

CultureDifferent ways of living that a group ofpeople build up and pass on from onegeneration to the next

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Consultant Cc


Customs1. Financial term that describes taxes on

goods coming into a country2. Common ways of behaving that are

linked to culture, such as how peoplegreet each other: some cultures shakehands and some kiss each other on bothcheeks

DdDáil Éireann (House ofRepresentatives)Lower house of the Irish National Parliament(Oireachtas), made up of electedrepresentatives also known as TDs. There are166 members of the Dáil and they represent42 constituencies. The Dáil has a maximumlife of five years.See also Oireachtas.

Data ProtectionCommissionerIndependent person appointed by theGovernment, who is responsible for makingsure that people can hold on to their rightto privacy when information about them isheld on computers or in manual or paperfiles. Anyone who feels their rights arebeing infringed can complain to theCommissioner.

DeclarationOfficial public announcement made andsigned by representatives of more than onestate

Declaration of the Rights ofMan and CitizenStatement made by the National Assemblyin France in 1789 and one of the foundingstatements of what we accept as basichuman rights for people today

Declaration, United NationsUniversal Declaration ofHuman Rights (UNDHR)Adopted by the General Assembly of theUnited Nations on 10 December 1948 as acommon standard of achievement for allpeople and all nations who signed up to it

DelegateA representative at a political or otherconference who has been given the powerto make decisions at that conference onbehalf of others

Democracy1. Government by the people, either

directly or through electedrepresentatives

2. Form of society that favours equal rights,freedom of speech and a fair trial andtolerates the views of minorities

Democracy, directAny system where the people make thedecisions directly instead of the electedrepresentatives

Democratic rightsRights to political or social equality for all

Democratic Unionist Party(DUP)Unionist party in Northern Ireland foundedby the Rev. Ian Paisley

DemonstrationPublic exhibition of protest against or ofsympathy with a particular cause

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Cc Customs


Deportation orderOrder for the forced departure of an illegalforeign national from this country, whichprevents them from returning

Deputy, Teachta Dála (TD)Someone elected to Dáil Éireann torepresent their constituencySee also Constituency.

DeregulationRemove laws that restrict a commercialactivity

DespotA ruler who exercises absolute power,especially in a cruel or oppressive way

Developing countryA country where most people have a lowerstandard of living and access to fewer goodsand services than do most people in high-income countries

DevelopmentSocial, economic, cultural and politicalimprovements that meet the needs inpeople’s lives, including personal, local,national and international needs

Development educationEducation that aims to increase awarenessand understanding of the rapidly-changingunequal world in which we live and is abouthelping people to understand the social,cultural, political and economic structures sothat they can take part in local and globalcitizenship activities to transform how theyaffect them at personal, community, nationaland international levelSee also Citizenship education andCitizenship.

DictatorPerson who has total power over a countryor state

DictatorshipCountry in which one person or group hastotal power to govern

Diplomat Someone appointed to represent Ireland inother countries and to manage our relationswith those countries; Ireland has diplomaticrelationships with 157 governments

Directive, EU Legally binding instruction from theEuropean Commission

Director of Consumer AffairsPerson who is employed to enforce a widerange of consumer protection laws withinthe Office of the Director of ConsumerAffairs (ODCA), which is established by lawwith responsibility for providing advice andinformation to consumers. You maycomplain to the Director about false ormisleading claims about goods, services andprices and they may prosecute the tradersconcerned or apply for a court order to getmisleading advertisements withdrawn orchanged.

Dirty politics Unethical and illegal methods to gainpolitical advantage

Disadvantaged areaGeographic area where a high proportion ofpeople are affected by poverty,unemployment and social exclusion

DiscriminationUnfair treatment or laws against particularindividuals or groups in society

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Deportation order Dd


District CourtRegional court that deals with some civilactions, family law cases and with criminalmatters such as drunk driving, speeding,assault and criminal damage; also holds theinitial hearings of serious offences to betried in the higher criminal courts

Consumers can use a procedure in theDistrict Court called the Small ClaimsProcedure to recover up to €1,270.

DiversityDifferences among people in relation totheir culture, identity, language and abilities

Due process of lawThe correct way for courts to handle a casewhen someone is charged with a crime

EeEconomic rightsRights to:• work,• an adequate standard of living,• housing, and• a pension if you are old or unable to

work.

Economic policyApproach to how money, business and taxesare managed

EconomyActivities involved in producing andconsuming goods and services within acountry or region

EcosystemCommunity of plants and animals thatinteract with water, air and other elements;

the quality is measured by how well theplants and animals can interact with eachother and the elements and how manyvarieties can survive

Educate TogetherOrganisation that supports setting upprimary schools in Ireland that are notlinked to any one religion and guaranteeequal respect to children and parents of allreligions and to those who have none

Education for DemocraticCitizenship (EDC)Education designed to help young peopleand adults take part in democracy andinform people about their rights andresponsibilities in society and how they canuse them; including the following types ofeducation:• human,• civic,• peace,• global, and • intercultural.See also Citizenship education.

ElectionChoosing a person or a government byvoting

ElectorPerson who votes or has the right to vote

Electoral Register/Register of ElectorsList of those who have the right to vote innational, local or European elections inIreland, put together by city and countycouncils

ElectorateAll those who have a right to vote in anelection

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Dd District Court


Electronic votingUsing electronic equipment and computersto vote and count votes

EmblemObject or picture that represents an event, agroup or a cause, often in the form of abadge or shield

Employee volunteering/Employer-supportedvolunteeringVolunteering through a scheme supportedby an employer, in which employers usuallyprovide additional time off for staff tovolunteer and sometimes match the fundsraised by their staff, euro for euro

EmpowermentMaking it possible for people to understandand exercise their powers andresponsibilities as citizens

EnsignFlag or a banner of a nation

EntitlementBenefit you are entitled to; can apply tobenefit provided by a particular governmentprogramme that you qualify for

EnvironmentPhysical, geographic, biological, social,cultural and political conditions thatsurround an individual or organism andcontrol what the organism is like and how itwill survive

Equal paySame pay for work of equal value;traditionally this has referred to women andmen getting the same pay for the same typeof work

EqualityFairness - recognising that everyone, nomatter what their age, sex, gender, religionor ethnicity, is entitled to the same rights

EthicalRelating to what is right or wrong based onmoral values and standards

EthnicReference to a group of people that share anationality, history, culture or language

EthnicityFeeling of belonging to a particular racial orcultural group

EthosIdeas and beliefs of a particular person orgroup

European CommissionCivil service that supports the EuropeanUnion

European Commissioner Most senior civil servant over a specificdepartment within the EuropeanCommission

European Convention onHuman RightsInternational agreement set up by theCouncil of Europe in 1950 to protect humanrights and incorporated into Irish nationallaw in 2003

European ParliamentOrganisation that represents the citizens ofeach Member State of the EU throughMembers of the European Parliament(MEPs), which are elected by each MemberState

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Electronic voting Ee


European Union (EU) Political and economic union of thefollowing 25 countries in Europe: Belgium,Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, theNetherlands, Denmark, Greece, Spain,Ireland, Austria, Portugal, Finland, Sweden,the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic,Hungary, Poland, Cyprus, Malta, Estonia,Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia

EvaluateConsider or study something carefully anddecide what its strengths and weaknessesare

EvaluationAct of considering what has been done andlooking at what improvements could bemade

Exit pollSurvey of a small percentage of peopleleaving the place where they have justvoted, which asks them how they voted

FfFacilitator Person who helps a group or team todevelop and work together effectively toreach their goal

Fair tradeTrade between buyers in the West and localsuppliers in developing countries thatprovides them with the best price for theirproduce, increases the local people’s profitsand cuts out the ‘middleman’

Fair trialTrial conducted legally and free from bias

FairUnbiased or equal

FatwaRule issued by Muslim holy men thatbelievers are expected to obey

Federal systemA system of states that act as one unit butkeep their internal affairs independent, as inthe United States

Fianna FáilNational political party founded in 1926with a democratic Republican ethos

Fine GaelNational political party founded in 1933

FlagPiece of cloth, often of various colours ordecorated with emblems, that represents acountry or a social group

Foreign nationalSomeone who does not have legal status inIreland

FrameworkBasic structure that supports somethingsuch as a building or a written system andgives it its shape

FranchiseCitizen’s right to vote at elections

Free market Economic system where prices are set byunrestricted or ‘free’ competition betweenprivately owned businesses

Free tradeTrade between different countries that isfree from government restrictions or taxes

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Ee European Union (EU)


Freedom of information (FOI)1. When all information produced by and

about a government is accessible2. Legal framework and administrative

system that allows for the recording andviewing of information related togovernment, except information that issubject to state secrecy, usually forsecurity reasons

Freedom of speechRight to speak freely on social and politicalmatters without fear of persecution orsuppression

FreedomRight to act, speak or think freely

Front benchMembers of the Dáil (the Irish Parliament)who are ministers or shadow ministers. Ashadow minister is a member of a party notin government, who covers the same area asa particular minister in a government and isa minister in name only

GgGarda SíochánaIrish police force

Gender1. The sex of living things, including people2. The identity assigned to people because

of their sex

Genetically modified (GM)foodFood that has its genetic code changed tomake it resistant to diseases and weatherconditions. It is not known how this mightaffect human, animal and plant health.

GerrymanderDivide a voting area so as to give onepolitical party a majority in as many districtsas possible or weaken the voting strength ofan ethnic or racial group, an urbanpopulation and so on

Global economyAll the activities involved in producing,exchanging and consuming goods andservices on a global scale

GlobalisationProcess of developing the world economy,but often harming the local economy,society and environment

Government1. Group of senior ministers responsible for

running a country or state2. System used to manage the affairs of a

state or nation3. Ruling party in a state or nation, which

has been elected or appointed to run it

Government Chief WhipPerson responsible for organising and co-ordinating Irish Government business in DáilEireann, who must make sure that theGovernment has a voting majority in theDáil; also the Minister of State at theDepartment of An Taoiseach

Government departmentGroup of civil servants, headed by a minister,who are responsible for a specific area ofwork within the Irish Government. There are15 Government departments in Ireland.

Government revenueIncome that a government gets from:• tax,• excise duties,• customs, and• other sources.

17

Freedom of information (FOI) Ff


18

Gg Grass-root movements

Grass-root movementsGroups, usually formed by people withoutpolitical ambitions, who are so concernedabout a particular issue that they feelcompelled to organise with like-mindedpeople

Grass rootsBasic level of society or of a group –especially as viewed from higher or morecentralised positions of power – or basicsource of support for a movement or group

Green cardDocument giving permission to the ownerof it to live and work legally in a country,usually associated with the USA

Green PaperDiscussion document about a proposednew law that sets out ideas and invitescomment and views from individuals andrelevant groups

Green PartyPolitical party in Ireland that was formed in1981 and is part of a worldwide movementthat believes in open government,renewable energy and military neutrality

HhHead of stateFormal leader of a country or a group ofpeople organised under one government; inIreland this is the President

HeritageCulture, traditions and national assetspassed from one generation to another

High CourtCourt based in Dublin that has the power tohear all criminal and civil matters (includingfamily law cases), that cannot be dealt withby the lower courts and also hears appealsfrom the Circuit Court in civil cases

HolisticRelating to the whole of something orsomeone, not just the separate parts

HomelessA situation when a person has nopermanent place to live

Human rightsRights that people have as human beings,whether recognised by their government ornot. The first rights in the United NationsDeclaration of Human Rights are the right tolife, liberty and security of the person.

Human Rights CommissionBody set up by the Irish Government topromote respect for and observance of thehuman rights of all people in Ireland andtheir access to equal opportunity

Human rights educationEducation on human rights and the valuesof human rights legislation

Humanitarian Protection (HP) Protection given to those who fail to qualifyfor asylum but who can show they needprotection

IiIdentityCharacteristics of a person or social group


IdeologySet of linked ideas associated with a politicalor cultural plan

ImmigrationArriving into a country other than your ownwhen you intend to live there permanently

ImplementDo things to make something happen

InauguralFirst

IncumbentPerson who holds a post or office

IndependenceFreedom from the influence of others, orfreedom of one country from the rule ofanother

Independent CouncillorTD or Senator who does not belong to apolitical party

Independent arbitrationSystem used to sort out a disagreement byusing an independent system andindependent officials

Indigenous peopleOriginal inhabitants of a country; also calledfirst peoples

InfluencePower to change the behaviour of someoneor something

Institutional racismFailure by everyone in an organisation toprovide an appropriate and professionalservice to people because of their colour,culture or ethnic origin

InterculturalismValuing exchanges between cultural groupswithin society and seeing these exchangesas mutually enriching

Intercultural educationEducation that helps to develop anunderstanding of different cultures andhelps a learner to look at the world fromother points of view; also promotes equalityand human rights, challenges unfairdiscrimination, and provides the values onwhich equality is built

Interest groupPeople organised to take action about acause or interest

ITInformation technology

JjJudiciary1. Branch of government concerned with

upholding justice2. System of courts and judges

Junior MinisterIn Ireland, officially called Minister of State atthe Department of…(Justice, Finance,…);the senior minister is called Ministerfor…(Justice, Finance,…)

19

Ideology Ii


20

Jj Jury

JuryGroup of citizens selected from thecommunity to sit in court to hear theevidence for and against a person accusedof a crime and who tell the court whetherthey think the person is innocent or guilty

JusticePrinciple of what is fair or right

KkKnowledgeFacts or ideas you have learned throughstudy or experience

LlLabour CourtIndependent body that seeks to resolvedisputes between employees and employers

Labour movementBroad organisation of workers that includesthe trade unions and the Labour Party

Labour PartyPolitical party formed nationally in 1912 inIreland

Laissez-faire1. Ideology that is against a government

interfering in economic affairs – otherthan the minimum necessary tomaintain peace and property rights

2. Not interfering with individual freedomof choice and action

Lame duckElected official who is still in office after theirsuccessor has been elected

LawSet of rules, especially those made by aparliament or a ruler, that the communityrecognises as binding

LawyerSomeone who represents people in court orwho gives advice on legal matters

Learner centredApproach to education that puts the learnerat the centre of the process and starts fromthe learner’s own experience and needs

Leas-CathaoirleachLocal authority or Seanad Éireann Vice-Chairman who chairs meetings when theCathaoirleach is not presentSee also Cathaoirleach.

Leas-Ceann ComhairleDáil Vice-Chairman who chairs meetingswhen the Ceann Comhairle is not present

Leave to remainPermission granted by the Minister forJustice that allows someone to stay in theState; sometimes given for humanitarianreasons to someone who does not fullymatch the definition of a refugee under the1951 Convention

Leaving CertificateFinal exam taken in Irish second levelschools before pupils leave school

LeftPeople involved in politics who havetraditionally been interested in political andeconomic equality, usually represented bysocialist and progressive parties and parties ofthe workers


Left wingMore liberal or radical section of a politicalparty, organisation and so on

LeftistGenerally someone whose political beliefsare liberal, socialist or radical

Legal rightsRights of all individuals in a society asoutlined in the laws of the State

Legislation1. Law or a set of laws2. Act of making laws

Legislative processSeries of actions that result in a law beingmade

LegislatureLaw-making group in a country or state,usually made up of elected representatives.In Ireland it is the Oireachtas.

Liberal1. Favouring reform or progress in religion,

education, economics or society;specifically, favouring political reformstending towards democracy andpersonal freedom for the individual

2. Marked by generosity

LibertarianPerson who supports individual rights andminimal government involvement inpeople’s lives, believing in the rights toliberty of speech and action and to ownproperty

LibertyFreedom from control; the right to act howyou choose

LicenceOfficial document issued by a governmentthat allows the holder to take part in astated activity, for example a driver’s licence

Lifelong LearningAll learning activity throughout life thataims to improve someone’s knowledge andskills

LiteracyAbility to listen and speak, read, write, workwith numbers and use everyday technologyto communicate and handle information

Living standardsPeople’s income and living conditions

Lobby groupGroup that tries to get support for aparticular cause; name refers to members ofa lobby group who used to wait in theentrance hall (lobby) or corridors ofparliament to see ministers and Members ofParliament

LobbyingTrying to influence attitudes or decisions ofpoliticians or governments

Local authorityLocal branch of the Irish Governmentresponsible for providing a wide range ofpublic services and consisting of electedmembers and full-time executive andadministration staff

Local courtCourt held to judge minor crimescommitted in a certain area, and settle localdisputes

Local governmentLocal branch of the Irish Government that isusually elected by the residents of the areathey manage 21

Left wing Ll


MmManifestoPolitical party's written statement of itsprinciples, policies and goals

MarginalisationProcess of being kept out of the benefits ofsociety including financial, educational andgood housing

Market economy1. An economic system where the

decisions are made by those who takepart in the market, with each person orgroup who takes part aiming to get thehighest return they can whilecompeting with the rest of the people inthe market

2. The buying and selling of goods andservices – an economy based ondemand and supply of goods andservices and on competition to sell them

MayorElected or appointed head of a city or town

Media1. Means of communication, including

radio, television, newspapers andmagazines

2. Journalists who work for radio,television, newspapers and magazines

Member of Parliament (MP)Member of the British House of Commons,usually used to describe members of a lowerhouse, who have ‘MP’shown after their names

Member of the EuropeanParliament (MEP)An elected official who represents a regionof their own country in the EuropeanParliament

MentorExperienced person who gives help andadvice to a less experienced person

Middle classPeople who have a mid-level income. Theymay behave differently to the working andupper class.

MigrantSomeone who leaves their country of originto settle in another

Military rule When a military officer or officers form thegovernment

Mind-mappingTechnique that links images of ideas andthoughts in the form of a picture

MinisterMember of the Irish Governmentresponsible for running and managing adepartment and who may suggest andpropose new or amended legislation

MinutesWritten record of a meeting

MonarchSole ruler of a country, who usually inherits

the position, such as a king or queen

MonarchyState or country where a monarch (a king orqueen) holds the power or is the head ofstate. It is called an absolute monarchy whenneither laws nor a constitution limit themonarch’s authority. It is called a limited orconstitutional monarchy when themonarch’s power is limited by a constitution.In this case, the country is generally run by agovernment on behalf of the monarch.

22

Mm Manifesto


MulticulturalismWhen different cultures in society live sideby side, but don’t necessarily mix with eachother

NnNationGroup of people - often with the samelanguage or culture - who think ofthemselves as a community, and have orthink they should have their owngovernment

NationalBelonging to a nation

National Parliament (Irish)Also known as the Oireachtas, whichconsists of:• the President, and• two houses – Dáil Éireann (House of

Representatives) and Seanad Éireann(the Senate)

The Parliament’s powers and functions areoutlined by the Constitution of Ireland.See Bunreacht na hÉireann.

NationaliseBring under the control or ownership of agovernment; usually refers to an industry, forexample coal mining or banking

Nationalism1. Belief that a large group of people are, or

should be, a nation with its owngovernment

2. Policy of asserting the interests of anation against other nations or thecommon interests of all nations

3. National spirit or devotion to theinterests of one’s nation

Native titleA form of ownership that recognises thelong-term traditional relationship ofindigenous people to their land

Natural resourcesMaterials that occur in nature and areessential or useful to humans, such as water,air, land, forests, fish and wildlife, topsoil, oiland minerals

NaturalisationProcess of someone becoming a full citizenof a country besides their own

NeighbourhoodPeople living around you

Neighbourhood actionplanningActivity involving neighbourhood partnersand groups joining together to developplans for the neighbourhood with help fromgovernment-funded groups and agencies

Neo-conservatives (neo-cons)Usually used to describe right-wingmembers of the US Republican Party whoadopt a strict position against anybody,organisation or country that opposes theiropinions and also try to have governmentpolicy follow their approach

Networking1. Using events, usually social, to meet

people who might be useful to yourwork

2. Exchanging information with a group oflike-minded people

NGOsNon-governmental organisations

23

Multiculturalism Mm


Nineteen Eighty Four Title of a book written by George Orwell in1948 where he described his vision of afuture from the trends he observed then;book is best known for the description of aBig Brother state where every movementand action of each person is monitored

NomineeSomeone who is nominated, or proposed byothers, as a candidate for public office

Non-nationalA person not born in the country in whichthey live

Non-partisanNot involving or influenced by any particularpolitical party

Not in my back yard (NIMBY)Attitude of residents who oppose thedevelopment of any land near them,although they may agree with the need forsuch development elsewhere

NutritionFood and drink that promote health andgrowth

OoOireachtasSee National Parliament.

Oireachtas CommitteeSpecialist committee that advises the Dáilon a broad range of legislative, social,economic and financial issues, examinesgovernment spending; Joint Committees arecommittees from both Dáil Éireann and theSeanad sitting and voting together

OligarchyForm of government where power is held bya small number of people belonging to adominant class or group

OmbudsmanPublic official who is responsible forinvestigating complaints against the IrishGovernment or the public service

Online Access to ServicesInformation and Support(OASIS)Public service information system availableon the Internet, developed by Comhairle (anational advice and information agency)

OppositionSecond largest political party or group ofparties in the Dáil that works to opposewhat it believes to be wrong withGovernment policies and actions

OrganisationPeople who work together on a task

PpPacifismBelief that violence, especially war, must beavoided and that anyone who supports thisidea should refuse to take part in war

Parliamentary (Dáil) questiontimeAn opportunity for Dáil deputies to ask theGovernment questions about any issue theministers are responsible for. In Ireland, theTaoiseach (Prime Minister) answersquestions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays inDáil Éireann. TDs (deputies) can also submitwritten questions seeking a written answer.

24

Nn Nineteen Eighty Four


ParliamentAssembly of elected representatives, whichforms the legislature of a state or a nationand may have both an upper and a lowerhouse or one house only

ParliamentarianElected member of either the upper orlower houses of Parliament

ParticipationTaking part or sharing in an activity such aspublic decision-making processes. This iscrucial for democratic stability and is alsoone of the basic rights of each person

Peace processSet of negotiations and activities where theaim is to bring peace between two or morewarring parties

Petition1. Document presented to parliament by a

person or group of people asking foraction on a matter

2. Making a formal request, especially to aperson or a group in power

PhilanthropyLiterally ‘love for mankind’; based on theconcept of selfless giving and the desire todo good for society

Philosophy1. A study of knowledge, ideas and ways of

thinking2. Rules for or an approach to life

Plebiscite1. Vote by all voters on a question, for

example a referendum2. Vote by members of a party to decide

on a candidate or select a delegate

PledgeSolemn promise to do a particular thing

PolicyAim or a plan of action on a matter

Political agendaWhatever is being discussed or dealt with inpolitics at any one time

Political freedomPerson’s right to express their politicalbeliefs freely and to vote as they want

Political ideologyRange of ideas that are the foundation forthe aims and activities of a political party

Political literacyHaving knowledge, skills, values, attitudesand know-how to take part in public life

Political participationNumber of people who voted or took part ina referendum or in political activities

Political partyGroup of politically like-minded people whowork together to get power and influence

Political rightsRights that allow a person to take part inpolitical life, including the right to:• vote,• hold particular political views, and• join a political party and influence public

life.

Political spectrumRange of political thoughts and approachesfrom the right to the left

25

Parliament Pp


Political valuesPrinciples people believe should be used togovern their society, including equality,liberty and tolerance of diversity

Political wingPart of an organisation that is involved inpublic life and politics

PoliticalDealing with the distribution of power orconnected with a political party

PoliticianSomeone who is active in politics and whosometimes holds a political office into whichthey have elected

Politics1. Business of governing a country2. Activities involved in gaining or using

power

Poll 1. A count of people, votes or opinions2. To ask and record the opinion of people3. To receive a number of votes4. An election

Polling cardA card sent to your home before the date ofan election, which you cannot vote without. Itstates your elector number and where youcan vote.

PollingOrganised procedure of voting

PollsPlace where votes are cast and recorded

Power1. Control over others, especially by a

government 2. Right of a government to act in a

particular area, for example defence

PPF (Programme forProsperity and Fairness)A partnership agreement between the Irish

Government, trade unions, employers, and

farming groups

Precedent1. What has been done before as a guide to

what should be done now2. Legal decision that courts will follow in

future similar cases

Preferential votingSystem when voters cast their votes in orderof preference for candidates, giving numberone to their first choice and the last numberto the last choice

PrejudiceStrong dislike of those in a particular socialgroup, for example a race, gender or religion,which does not make sense and means thatthe group is not treated equally

President of IrelandIrish Head of State elected by the people ofIreland to serve a seven-year term (they canserve a maximum of two terms, 14 years).The President represents all the people whencarrying out official engagements at homeand abroad. The President is SupremeCommander of the Defence Forces. Theformal powers and functions of the Presidentare prescribed in the Constitution.See Bunreacht na hÉireann.

President1. Chief officer in an organisation, who

presides at meetings2. Head of a republic3. Person elected to be the presiding officer

of the Senate or State legislative councils

26

Pp Political values


Presumption of innocencePresumption by a court that a personcharged with a crime has not committed it,until the case against them is proved

Prime MinisterHead of the national government, the chiefminister in some countries

ProbationA period of time after someone hascompleted a prison term, in which they arestill under sentence and their behaviour isbeing tested

ProcessSeries of actions that you take to achieve aresult

Progressive DemocratsPolitical party founded mainly by formermembers of the Fianna Fáil party in 1985,which has a right-of-centre economic policy

Progressive Unionist PartyPolitical wing of the Ulster Volunteer Force,which promotes union with Britain

ProjectPlan or an undertaking

PropagandaSpreading of ideas, information or rumour tohelp or injure an institution, cause or person

Proportional representation(PR)Alternative to ‘winner-takes-all’ elections, inwhich the elector votes 1,2,3…in order ofpreference for the candidates listed on theballot paper; means that minority interestgroups may have a chance to berepresented on an elected body

Prosecution 1. Legal proceedings against a person

charged with a crime2. Group of people who carry out these

legal proceedings

Protest1. Public statement of disapproval of an

action or situation2. Demonstration against an individual or

against the action of governments orothers

Public1. Open or known to all people2. The people, as a whole, of a community,

state or nation3. Concerning the public

Public policyCourse or line of action pursued by agovernment, ruler or political party

Public servantWorker with the civil service, local authorityor other state body

Public-Private Partnership(PPP)Partnership between Irish Government, itsagencies and the private sector to developmajor projects such as motorways orschools

QqQuotaNumber of votes that a candidate usuallyneeds to get to win a seat in parliamentunder the proportional representation (PR)system. PR uses a mathematical formula todistribute votes in order of the voter’spreference.See Proportional representation. 27

Presumption of innocence Pp


RrRaceTraditionally this meant different species ofhumans, with the implication that somewere superior to others, but genetic researchshows there is no single race-defining geneand so no biological reason for dividing thehuman population into different races.However, the term still exists in legislation.

Racial discriminationUnfair treatment of an individual or groupbecause of their racial or ethnic origin

RacismSpecific form of discrimination faced byethnic minority groups based on the falsebelief that some ‘races’ are inferior to othersbecause of their different skin colour,nationality or their ethnic or culturalbackground; deprives people of their basichuman rights, dignity and respect

Radical1. Marked by a considerable change from

the usual or traditional – extremechanges to views, habits, conditions orinstitutions

2. A person who favours major political orsocial change

Radical reformMajor and dramatic changes, usually to anorganisation and its activities

RebellionOpen, organised and often armed resistanceto one’s government or ruler

RecyclingGathering and putting waste material to use

Referendum CommissionGroup established before each referendumto tell the public what the referendum isabout and to give the arguments for andagainst the question

Referendum, ConstitutionalVote that occurs when the Governmentwishes to change something in the IrishConstitution, usually held in cases where theexisting Constitution does not provide forsuch a change, and gives adults a chance tovote for or against the proposed change

ReferendumVote by all voters on a question such as achange to the constitution

ReflectionWhen an individual or group activelyconsiders what has occurred

ReformerSomeone who seeks to bring about change,especially political change

Refugee1. Someone who, because of fear of

persecution on grounds such as race,religion or political reasons, is not in theirown country and is unable or unwillingto return

2. Someone who has been invited toIreland when the Irish Governmentresponds to a humanitarian request fromgroups like the UNHCR (United NationsHigh Commissioner for Refugees), forexample during the Bosnian crisis in the1990s

3. ‘Convention’ refugees: people who meetthe requirements of the definition of arefugee under the 1951 UN Conventionrelating to the Status of Refugees, and isgranted refugee status

28

Rr Race


Regional AssembliesAssemblies that handle EU Structural Fundsand co-ordinate delivery of public servicesin their region. The BMW Assembly coversthe Border, Midlands and Western area; andthe S&E Assembly covers the Southern andEastern area.

Regional authoritiesState-funded groups that:• co-ordinate public services at regional

level, and • review the development needs and the

provision of public services in theirregion.

There are eight regional authorities inIreland and their members sit on monitoringcommittees.

RegulationLaw made by an Act of Parliament

Relative povertyHaving income and resources that are notenough to give a standard of livinggenerally regarded as adequate by thesociety you live in

Religious rightGroup that believes that everyone shouldfollow strict rules for daily life, and haveideas based on a religious belief – oftenChristian (Old Testament) values

RenewableCan be replaced or replenished, either bythe earth’s natural processes or by humanaction, for example air, water and forests

Representative democracySystem of government where electorschoose representatives to make decisionsfor them

RepresentativeSomeone who acts on behalf of others;person elected to a law-making body

RepublicState that is ruled by citizens and without amonarch

Republican1. Person who wants to see a republic

established in their country instead of amonarchy

2. Member of the right-leaning RepublicanParty in the USA

RepublicanismPolitical philosophy in favour of setting up arepublic before any other political system

ResearchInvestigating and analysing ideas andsharing the results

Residence (‘green card’)*Issued to someone to say they have theright to live in Ireland. The following peoplecan apply for residence (but it is notautomatically granted) at the ImmigrationDivision of the Department of Justice:• asylum seekers who marry Irish (or EU)

nationals, and• parents of Irish-born children Successful applicants receive a registrationdocument, the ‘green card’. Residence mustbe renewed every 12 months.

*All non European Economic Area (EEA)nationals with any legal status in Ireland areissued with a registration card or 'greencard'. However, the term is often used tomean residence on the basis of an Irish-bornchild.

ResistanceSecret organisation that fights against aforeign enemy or a dictator

29

Regional Assembly Rr


ResolutionUsually something someone plans to do orto encourage others to do

ResourcesMachines, workers, money, land, rawmaterials and other things that a country,organisation or community can use toproduce goods and services make itseconomy grow or bring about change.Resources may be renewable or non-renewable. Countries must use theirresources wisely to ensure long-termprosperity.

Responsibility1. Obligation that a person or people must

be able to account for. For example, atreasurer is responsible for how moneyis spent or saved and must be able togive an account of how this has beendone.

2. Ability to respond – being responsive toothers and being responsible foryourself

Restorative justiceWhen the justice system encourages peoplewho have committed crimes to dosomething to make amends, for examplecommunity work

Returning OfficerSomeone who oversees the counting ofballot papers during an election orreferendum and who certifies and officiallyannounces the results

RevolutionComplete overthrow of a government orpolitical system

Right wingThe more conservative or reactionarysection of a political party or organisation

RightConservative side of politics - generally thepolitical party or parties that either supportthe way things are now or want to return topast ways of doing things; also means apolitical party that favours the free marketsystem over a socialist system

Rule of lawSituation where everyone is equal before thelaw and no one is above the law, even apresident, monarch or government

RulerSomeone who rules or governs, normallylinked with an absolute monarch or adictator

RulesRegulations governing conduct orbehaviour

Ruling partyPolitical party that controls the government

Running mateWhen two people from the same party aregoing for election in the same constituency,the candidate who is usually expected toget a lower proportion of the votes is said tobe the ‘running mate’. In the US, the vice-presidential candidate is the running mateof the presidential candidate.

SsSeanad ÉireannIrish Senate

SeatA place in an elected political assembly suchas a parliament or county council

30

Rr Resolution


SecessionWithdraw formally from an alliance orassociation, such as a political organisation,especially from a federation of states

Secret ballotVoting system where voters cast their votesprivately and cannot be pressured to vote ina certain way

SegregationSeparation of one racial group from another,as occurred in schools, transport and otherpublic facilities in many parts of the UnitedStates until integration was graduallyintroduced from the 1950s until the 1980s.South Africa’s ‘apartheid’ system was anotherexample, as was the former exclusion ofAboriginal people from swimming pools inNew South Wales.

Select Committee(Oireachtas)Consists of members of the Dáil and Seanadand is usually set up to review the work ofGovernment departments

Self-governmentPolitical independence of a country, peopleor region

Senate The upper house in parliament. In Irelandthe Senate is called Seanad Éireann and ithas 60 members. Eleven of these membersare nominated by the Taoiseach (PrimeMinister) and 43 are elected by specificgroups, such as the universities. In Australiaand the United States, the Senates are madeup of representatives from the states in theirfederation.See also Federal.

SenatorMember of a Senate

Shadow ministersMembers of the opposition that ‘shadow’, orfollow closely, the areas of responsibility ofministers in a government

ShariaReligious-based legal system devised byMuslim holy men, which usually operates inan area where most of the population areMuslims

Sinn FéinRepublican party, political wing of the IRASee also Republican.

SlaverySituation in which someone is not free, butis owned by another person and can bebought and sold and made to work againsttheir will; slavery was made illegal in mostparts of the world in the nineteenth century,but continues in some places

Social capitalResources that are based on relationshipsand networks of influence and support andenable people to get help from each other

Social cohesionA sense of belonging in the community,involves a commitment to continuallyimproving the quality of life and well-beingfor its members by actively removingbarriers and the causes of division

Social Democratic PartyPolitical party with a centre-left ideology

31

Secession Ss


Social economyDevelopment of social and economicenterprises that will benefit theregeneration of a community, for examplechildcare services

Social exclusionPeople or places being excluded from theoutcomes and opportunities enjoyed bymainstream society, due to problems thatcan include:• unemployment,• poor skills,• low incomes,• discrimination,• poor housing,• high crime environments,• bad health, and• family breakdown.

Social partnershipWhen government, the private sector, thevoluntary sector and the unions produce astrategy for social and economicdevelopment that covers issues such aswages, industrial action, housing, transportand education

Social rightsRights that allow a person to have a decentstandard of living, including the right tohousing, employment, good nutrition andhealth care

Social securityState support for people when they areunemployed, ill or retired, through paymentseach week or month

Social welfareSee Social security.

SocialismSystem of society where the communityowns the businesses and the land

SocietyPeople living as members of a community,including the members of a nation; also agroup of people who come together toachieve a particular goal, such as the IrishSociety for the Prevention of Cruelty toAnimals (ISPCA)

SolidarityWhen people are able to recognise therights of others and are willing to act todefend them

Sound biteBrief, quotable remark or excerpt, such as aspeech made by a politician or a candidatefor political office, which is repeated onradio and TV news programmes; regardedby some as being trite and superficial

Special Committee,OireachtasCommittee set up to review new billscoming before the Dáil and consisting ofmembers of the Dáil and Seanad

Spin1. Public relations (PR) activity, that

sometimes focuses exclusively on thepositive and is used as a weapon againsta political opponent or the oppositionparty

2. When information is interpreted in aparticular way or with particularemphasis, sometimes to enhance thepublic image of, or to minimise politicaldamage to, a politician

Spoiled voteVote made invalid when someone fills in theballot paper incorrectly, either by mistake ordeliberately as a protest

32

Ss Social economy


StakeholderAnyone or group who has an interest in orcan be affected by a group action, plan orinitiative

State1. How people in a particular territory are

governed. See also Territory.2. Any of the regions, each more or less

independent in internal affairs, whichtogether make up a federal union. Anexample is the United States of America.

StatusPosition or standing in the community orsociety

Status quoState of affairs as they are now or as theywere before a recent change

StatutoryDecided, set up or controlled by law

Steering groupGroup with specific skills who guide thedevelopment of a project and its completion

StereotypingLabelling people or making assumptionsabout them based on the social group theybelong to, for example their race, religion,nationality or age.

StrategyMedium- to long-term plan to achievesomething

StrikeTo stop work to demonstrate or to demandan employer meets workers' demands

SubjectSomeone who lives under the rule of amonarchSee also Monarch, Monarchy.

SubmissionSuggestions or arguments made orally or inwriting to some authority such as aparliamentary house, a committee or acourt; a written paper placed before acommittee for consideration

SuffrageThe right to vote

SuffragistHistorically, someone who wanted womento have the right to vote

Supreme CourtHighest court of appeal, that also interpretsthe constitution of a country

Sustainable developmentDevelopment that meets the needs of thepeople today without harming the ability offuture generations to meet their own needs

TtTánaisteIrish Deputy Prime Minister

Tally menMembers of a political party who carry outan unofficial count of the ballot papersduring an election or referendum

Taoiseach, theHead of the Irish Government, nominated bythe Dáil. The Taoiseach also acts as aspokesperson for the Government on majorpolicy issues and chairs Cabinet meetings

33

Stakeholder Ss


TD, how to become oneTo be eligible for membership of the Dáilyou must:• be a citizen of Ireland,• be over 21 years of age, and • must not be disqualified from election

to the Dáil.To become a TD you must complete a‘nomination paper’ and present it to thereturning officer of the constituency inwhich you are standing. It is possible to benominated as a candidate in more than oneconstituency. You don’t have to be living in aconstituency to be nominated. If you wish,you may state the party you belong to onyour nomination paper. You may also submita photograph and a political party emblemto appear on the ballot paper.

TD, Teachta DálaMember of Dáil Éireann

Terms of reference1. Something referred for inquiry to a

committee2. What powers a committee has and what

areas it can investigate3. What somebody is supposed to do

Territory 1. In the federal system of government, an

area that has not been given the fullrights of a state, for example theAustralian Capital Territory and theNorthern Territory

2. Land and waters under the control of astate or ruler

3. Any region or area of land

Terrorism Systematic use of terror especially to forcepeople to do something they don’t want todo

Think tank Institute, corporation or group set up toresearch a range of areas, such as socialproblems, which may makerecommendations to the government onpublic policy

Third wayPolitical philosophy that takes from the rightand left, but is different to both; promotedby British Prime Minister Tony Blair

TraditionBelief, custom or practice that is handeddown from one generation to another

Travel documentDocument, such as a passport or visa, used

to travel to and enter other countries

TravellerMember of an Irish ethnic group that travelsfrom place to place and has its own identity,culture and history. There are about 21,000Travellers in the Republic of Ireland.

TreatyIn international law, a formal agreementbetween states; often outlines peace ortrade agreements

TrialExamination of a person in a court of law todecide whether they are guilty or innocent

Tribunal of enquiryEnquiry with judicial powers that is set up toinvestigate things such as corrupt practices,for example corrupt payment to politiciansfor illegal land re-zoning and corruptpractices of gardaí

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Tt TD, how to become one


TrusteeSomeone who holds money or otherproperty in a trust for the benefit ofsomeone other than themselves

TyrannyUncontrolled exercise of power, often by anoppressive or unjustly severe government ora ruler

TyrantAn absolute ruler who uses his or her powerunjustly or oppressively

UuUlster Unionist PartyPolitical party that wants to maintain thelink between Northern Ireland and Britain

UNUnited Nations

UnionismPolitical philosophy that supports politicalunion between Northern Ireland and Britain

United Nations UniversalDeclaration of Human RightsKey statement of human rights today,written in 1948 in response to the genocidecarried out by Nazi Germany

United NationsInternational organisation founded afterWorld War II to try to achieve internationalsecurity, by providing help and solutions forconflicts between countries, to helprefugees and to develop many health,development and cultural programmes

VvValuesBeliefs and set of rules that are important toa person

Values educationEducation that nurtures learners whilerespecting their values

Veto1. Saying ‘no’ in a political context, for

example by blocking or rejecting aproposed law

2. Power of the President to refuse to signa bill passed by the Dáil preventing itfrom becoming law, in which case thePresident can refer the bill to the Councilof State for advice

VisaForm that allows people from one countryto enter another and to stay there for alimited time; not needed if you are amember of an EU country and you arevisiting another EU country

Voluntary sectorCollection of independent groups that dothings not for profit but are not public orlocal authorities; normally formallyconstituted, have paid staff and may or maynot use volunteer help

Volunteer1. Someone who gives their services free

of charge, for example to help others orthe environment

2. Someone who offers to do somethingbefore being asked to do it

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Trustee Tt


Volunteer-involvingorganisationCommon term used for voluntary andcommunity sector organisations that involveor work with volunteers

Vote1. Formal expression of a choice, such as

putting one’s hand up or marking apiece of paper

2. Total number of votes

Voting eligibility • You must be a citizen of Ireland.• You must be 18 years of age by the day

the Register of Electors comes into force.• Your name must be on the Register of

Electors.

WwWar chestFund for running a political campaign, madeup of money given to a candidate by otherpeople and through various fundraisingevents

Wealth1. All the things a person owns2. The total amount of goods and services

in a country

WelfareSee Social security.

WhipPolitical party manager in parliament who isresponsible for organising members of theirparty to take part in debates and votes andwho assists in arranging the business of aparliament

White PaperGovernment policy document outlining theplan for an area of work; normally the lastpolicy document before a new piece oflegislation

Working classPeople who are manual workers andlabourers

Working conditionsHours of work, levels of pay, physicalconditions and legal rights in the workplace

XxXenophobiaBeing hostile or afraid of foreigners,particularly when people are hostile topeople who have a different ethnicbackground to themselves

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Vv Volunteer involving organisation


What is NALA?The National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) is a non-profitmembership organisation, concerned with national co-ordination, training and policy development in adult literacywork in Ireland. NALA was established in 1980 and hascampaigned since then for the recognition of, and response to,the adult literacy issue in Ireland.

National Adult Literacy Agency76 Lower Gardiner StreetDublin 1

Telephone: (01) 855 4332

Fax: (01) 855 5475

Freephone support line: 1800 20 20 65

Email: [email protected]

Websites:NALA website: www.nala.ie

Literacy learning and tuition website: www.literacytools.ie

Read Write Now TV literacy series 5 website: www.readwritenow.ie

NALA CorkTelephone: (021) 431 7011

Fax: (021) 431 5054


NALA MullingarTelephone: (044) 40374

Fax: (044) 45 834


This project is funded by the Irish Government and part-financed by the European Union under the NationalDevelopment Plan 2000 - 2006

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