Bunreacht na hÉireann (the Constitution of Ireland) was enacted by the people on the 1st of July 1937. The new constitution, which replaced the 1922 Constitution of the Irish Free State, was carried by 685,105 votes in favour to 526,945 votes against, a majority of 158,160.

Bunreacht na hÉireann falls, broadly speaking, into the liberal democratic tradition of Europe and America. It asserts that all powers of government, legislative , executive and judicial, derive, under God, from the people and it provides for a democratic parliament and government to exercise the legislative and executive powers respectively, and for an independent judiciary to exercise judicial powers. In its fundamental rights articles it guarantees the individual citizen freedom, equality and justice.

Bunreacht na hÉirean may be amended, but only by referendum.