Irish Politics: A Comprehensive Guide for Online Learning

Question 1

Which constitutional change was a key provision of the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Establishment of a devolved government (Northern Ireland Executive)

Answer

Immediate withdrawal of British troops

Answer

Unification with the Republic of Ireland

Answer

End of the Troubles conflict

Question 2

What was a major factor in the outbreak of the Irish War of Independence?

Accepted Answer

British economic exploitation and political oppression

Answer

German military support and financial aid

Answer

American diplomatic intervention and military assistance

Answer

Soviet ideological influence and military aid

Question 3

Which of the following has NOT been a key issue shaping Irish politics historically?

Accepted Answer

Climate change

Answer

The economy

Answer

Irish unification

Answer

Social justice

Question 4

Which provision of the Good Friday Agreement aimed to foster a more inclusive and stable government in Northern Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Establishment of a power-sharing government

Answer

Withdrawal of British troops

Answer

Creation of a united Ireland

Answer

Recognition of Irish as the sole official language

Question 5

Which of these topics is NOT a key issue in contemporary Irish politics?

Accepted Answer

Irish reunification and Northern Ireland

Answer

Economic policy and growth

Answer

Environmental protection and sustainability

Answer

Social equality and justice

Question 6

What was a key factor that led to the Easter Rising in 1916?

Accepted Answer

Conscription in Ireland by the British government

Answer

Execution of Roger Casement

Answer

Assassination of Michael Collins

Answer

Sinking of the Lusitania

Question 7

The Good Friday Agreement established which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A devolved government in Northern Ireland

Answer

The withdrawal of British troops from Northern Ireland

Answer

The unification of Ireland

Answer

The release of all political prisoners

Question 8

What was the primary reason for the Easter Rising in 1916?

Accepted Answer

Home Rule crisis and World War I

Answer

Sinn Fein's popularity

Answer

German propaganda

Answer

Ireland's economic depression

Question 9

Which of the following factors significantly contributed to the escalation of the Northern Ireland conflict?

Accepted Answer

The partition of Ireland in 1921, creating a predominantly Protestant state in Northern Ireland

Accepted Answer

The emergence of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in the 1960s, aiming for Irish reunification

Accepted Answer

The British government's forceful response to the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland

Answer

The success of the civil rights movement in the United States, inspiring similar movements in Northern Ireland

Question 10

What was a significant outcome of the Anglo-Irish Agreement signed in 1985?

Accepted Answer

The establishment of a joint Anglo-Irish body to oversee security and political affairs in Northern Ireland.

Answer

The formation of a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland.

Answer

The complete withdrawal of British troops from Northern Ireland.

Answer

The formal recognition of Irish as an official language within Northern Ireland.

Question 11

Which event was a key factor in triggering the Easter Rising of 1916?

Accepted Answer

Failure of the Home Rule Bill in 1914

Answer

Conscription crisis of 1918

Answer

Outbreak of the Anglo-Irish War in 1919

Answer

Great Famine of the 1840s

Question 12

The Good Friday Agreement, signed in 1998, played a pivotal role in the peace process in Northern Ireland. Which of the following was NOT a key provision of the agreement?

Accepted Answer

The immediate reunification of Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland

Answer

Power-sharing between unionists and nationalists in Northern Ireland

Answer

The release of political prisoners

Answer

The establishment of a cross-border body to foster cooperation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland

Question 13

Which factor played a major role in triggering the Easter Rising in Ireland in 1916?

Accepted Answer

British suppression of Irish nationalism

Accepted Answer

Failure of constitutional nationalism to secure independence

Answer

Economic impact of World War I

Answer

Influence of Irish-American revolutionaries

Question 14

Which topic is **not** a primary subject of discussion in Irish politics?

Accepted Answer

Foreign policy

Answer

Economic policy

Answer

Healthcare

Answer

Education

Question 15

Which historical event is considered a pivotal turning point in the development of Irish nationalism?

Accepted Answer

The Easter Rising

Answer

The Anglo-Irish Treaty

Answer

The Good Friday Agreement

Answer

The Brexit Referendum

Question 16

What was a primary cause of the Easter Rising of 1916?

Accepted Answer

Growth of Irish Nationalism

Accepted Answer

Failure of the Home Rule movement

Answer

Outbreak of World War I

Answer

Influence of the Russian Revolution

Question 17

Which event is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in the Northern Ireland peace process?

Accepted Answer

The Good Friday Agreement

Answer

The Anglo-Irish Agreement

Answer

The establishment of the Northern Ireland Assembly

Answer

The release of IRA prisoners

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a key issue that is commonly debated in Irish politics?

Accepted Answer

The national anthem

Answer

The economy

Answer

The environment

Answer

Immigration

Question 19

Which challenges are most pressing for Irish politics in the 21st century, and how do they affect policymaking?

Accepted Answer

Economic inequality, climate change, and the legacy of the Troubles

Answer

Economic inequality and immigration

Answer

Climate change and the legacy of the Troubles

Answer

Immigration and the Troubles

Question 20

Which of these is NOT a major challenge facing Irish politics today?

Accepted Answer

The growing influence of the Irish diaspora

Answer

The impact of Brexit

Answer

Sectarian tensions in Northern Ireland

Answer

The rise of populism and nationalism

Question 21

How has the influence of religion on Irish politics shifted over time?

Accepted Answer

Religion's influence in Irish politics has diminished in recent decades.

Answer

Religion has consistently maintained its dominant influence on Irish politics.

Answer

Religion has completely lost its influence on Irish politics.

Answer

It is anticipated that religion will regain its dominant role in Irish politics.

Question 22

Which event marked a pivotal moment in Ireland's quest for independence?

Accepted Answer

Easter Rising

Answer

Battle of the Boyne

Answer

Irish Potato Famine

Answer

Good Friday Agreement

Question 23

What was a major factor that contributed to the outbreak of the Easter Rising in 1916?

Accepted Answer

British government's threat to impose conscription on Ireland

Answer

Growing support for Irish nationalism

Answer

Propaganda from the Russian Revolution

Answer

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Question 24

Which pivotal event marked a significant turning point in the history of Irish nationalism?

Accepted Answer

Easter Rising

Answer

Battle of the Boyne

Answer

Irish War of Independence

Answer

Anglo-Irish Agreement

Question 25

Which of the following is generally not a major topic of discussion in Irish politics?

Accepted Answer

Foreign policy

Answer

The economy

Answer

Social welfare

Answer

Immigration

Question 26

How did Ireland's participation in World War I contribute to the events leading up to the Easter Rising of 1916?

Accepted Answer

It fostered resentment and support for independence due to widespread opposition to Ireland's involvement.

Answer

It directly triggered the Easter Rising in response to Irish soldiers being sent to fight.

Answer

It reduced the British military presence in Ireland, facilitating the rebels' uprising.

Answer

It had no significant impact on the lead-up to the Easter Rising.

Question 27

Which event sparked a major turning point in Irish nationalism, propelling its growth and impact?

Accepted Answer

Easter Rising

Answer

Battle of the Boyne

Answer

Irish Famine

Question 28

What was the IRA's main purpose during the Easter Rising?

Accepted Answer

To lead the uprising and fight for Irish independence.

Answer

To assist the British forces in suppressing the rebellion.

Answer

To initially support the rising but later withdraw due to concerns about its impact.

Question 29

How has Catholicism influenced Irish politics?

Accepted Answer

Catholicism has significantly shaped Irish politics, impacting party formation and election outcomes.

Answer

Catholicism has had a limited influence on Irish politics.

Answer

Catholicism has been suppressed in Irish politics, with its influence minimized.

Question 30

Which provision is NOT included in the Good Friday Agreement?

Accepted Answer

The abolition of the death penalty in Northern Ireland

Answer

Power-sharing between unionists and nationalists in Northern Ireland

Answer

The creation of a new Northern Ireland Assembly

Answer

The release of paramilitary prisoners

Question 31

Which historical event is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in the evolution of Irish nationalism?

Accepted Answer

The Easter Rising

Answer

The Anglo-Irish Agreement

Answer

The Good Friday Agreement

Answer

The establishment of the Irish Free State

Question 32

What was the main reason for the introduction of Direct Rule in Northern Ireland in 1972?

Accepted Answer

Increased sectarian violence and the failure of the power-sharing government

Answer

Growing support for Irish reunification and IRA violence

Answer

Economic decline and social unrest in Northern Ireland

Question 33

What was the primary objective of the decommissioning process outlined in the Good Friday Agreement?

Accepted Answer

To eliminate all weapons held by paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland.

Answer

To establish a government in Northern Ireland based on power-sharing.

Answer

To secure the release of political prisoners detained in Northern Ireland.

Question 34

How does the Protestant community in Northern Ireland generally view their position since the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement?

Accepted Answer

They perceive themselves as increasingly marginalized.

Answer

They are enthusiastic about the agreement.

Answer

They feel the agreement has had little effect on them.

Question 35

Which of the following is a characteristic of the Irish political culture?

Accepted Answer

Consensus-oriented

Answer

Individualistic

Answer

Hierarchical

Answer

Authoritarian

Question 36

What is the primary role of the President of Ireland?

Accepted Answer

To represent the state

Answer

To lead the government

Answer

To enact legislation

Answer

To command the armed forces

Question 37

In what way has Brexit impacted Irish politics?

Accepted Answer

Increased tensions between Ireland and the UK

Answer

Resulted in a decline in trade between Ireland and the UK

Answer

Boosted the Irish economy

Answer

Had no significant impact on Irish politics

Question 38

What is a primary role of civil society organizations in Irish politics?

Accepted Answer

Influencing policy decisions through lobbying

Answer

Passing laws

Answer

Managing government finances

Question 39

How do the governance structures of the education systems in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland differ?

Accepted Answer

The Republic of Ireland's education system is more centralized, with the Department of Education and Skills overseeing its operations.

Answer

Northern Ireland's education system places a greater emphasis on academic achievement.

Answer

The Republic of Ireland's education system is more expensive for students.

Question 40

Evaluate the opportunities and challenges that populism presents for Irish political parties.

Accepted Answer

Populist sentiments provide an opportunity for Irish parties to engage with marginalized voters.

Accepted Answer

Populism poses a challenge to Irish parties by potentially eroding trust in established institutions.

Answer

Populism is not a significant factor in the current Irish political landscape.

Answer

Populism will inevitably lead to a decline in support for Irish political parties.

Question 41

Who serves as the head of government in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

The Taoiseach

Answer

The President

Answer

The Prime Minister

Answer

The Speaker of the Dáil

Question 42

Which political party has held the most influence in Irish politics since independence?

Accepted Answer

Fianna Fáil

Answer

Fine Gael

Answer

Labour Party

Answer

Sinn Féin

Question 43

What is the official name of the Irish parliament?

Accepted Answer

The Oireachtas

Answer

Westminster

Answer

Stormont

Answer

The Dáil

Question 44

What is the name of the pivotal agreement that brought an end to the Northern Ireland conflict?

Accepted Answer

The Good Friday Agreement

Answer

The Anglo-Irish Agreement

Answer

The Sunningdale Agreement

Answer

The St. Andrews Agreement

Question 45

What is the commonly known name for the agreement that ended the conflict in Northern Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Belfast Agreement

Answer

Anglo-Irish Agreement

Answer

St. Andrews Agreement

Answer

Stormont Agreement

Question 46

What is the primary function of the President of Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Serves as the ceremonial head of state with limited executive powers

Answer

Leads the government and holds extensive executive authority

Answer

Appointed by government to perform ceremonial duties

Answer

Elected by the people but has no formal powers

Question 47

What term describes the system where power is shared between the central government and regional governments in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Devolution

Answer

Federalism

Answer

Confederalism

Answer

Autonomy

Question 48

What was the primary policy response of the Irish government to the 2008 economic crisis?

Accepted Answer

Austerity measures

Answer

Expansionary monetary policy

Answer

Quantitative easing

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental principle enshrined in the Irish Constitution?

Accepted Answer

Special recognition of the Catholic Church

Answer

Sovereignty of the people

Answer

Separation of powers

Answer

Protection of fundamental rights

Question 50

How has the Irish diaspora historically influenced Irish politics and international relations?

Accepted Answer

The diaspora has played a key role in promoting Irish culture and soft power.

Answer

The diaspora has had no significant impact.

Answer

The diaspora's influence has been mainly economic.

Answer

The diaspora's influence has weakened in recent times.

Question 51

Which of the following is **not** a primary institution in the Irish political system?

Accepted Answer

Central Bank

Answer

Oireachtas

Answer

Taoiseach

Answer

President

Question 52

Which political party has traditionally been the most successful in Irish politics?

Accepted Answer

Fianna Fáil

Answer

Fine Gael

Answer

Labour Party

Answer

Sinn Féin

Question 53

What is the name of the lower house of the Irish parliament?

Accepted Answer

Dáil Éireann

Answer

Seanad Éireann

Answer

Oireachtas

Answer

Teachta Dála

Question 54

What is the primary role of the Taoiseach in Irish politics?

Accepted Answer

Head of government

Answer

Head of state

Answer

Speaker of the parliament

Answer

Leader of the opposition

Question 55

Who holds the position of head of government in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Taoiseach (Prime Minister)

Answer

Uachtarán (President)

Answer

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Answer

Chief Justice

Question 56

What is the name of the historic agreement that brought an end to the conflict in Northern Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Good Friday Agreement

Answer

Anglo-Irish Agreement

Answer

St. Andrew's Agreement

Answer

Sunningdale Agreement

Question 57

What is the official name of the Irish Constitution?

Accepted Answer

Bunreacht na hÉireann

Answer

Irish Constitution Act

Answer

Constitution of the Republic of Ireland

Answer

Éire Constitution

Question 58

What is the constitutional role of the President of Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Head of state only

Answer

Head of state and government

Answer

Head of government only

Answer

Chair of the Dáil

Question 59

Which of the following is a key institution in the Irish political system?

Accepted Answer

Dáil Éireann (The House of Representatives)

Answer

Supreme Court

Answer

Senate

Answer

House of Commons

Question 60

Which political party has traditionally been the largest in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Fianna Fáil

Answer

Labour Party

Answer

Sinn Féin

Answer

Fine Gael

Question 61

Which feature is unique to the Irish electoral system?

Accepted Answer

Single transferable vote

Answer

Ranked choice voting

Answer

First-past-the-post

Answer

Proportional representation

Question 62

Describe the primary role of the Irish President.

Accepted Answer

Ceremonial head of state

Answer

Executive head of government

Answer

Chief justice of the Supreme Court

Question 63

Identify the body responsible for enacting legislation in Ireland.

Accepted Answer

Oireachtas

Answer

Government of Ireland

Answer

Dáil Éireann

Answer

Seanad Éireann

Question 64

Which of the following accurately characterizes the Irish political system?

Accepted Answer

Parliamentary republic with a proportional representation electoral system.

Answer

Presidential republic with a first-past-the-post electoral system.

Answer

Constitutional monarchy with a majority-based electoral system.