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Why can a baby bust echo for decades?

A small birth cohort does not disappear from a population chart when childhood ends. It becomes a smaller group of young adults and, later, potential parents. Even if births per parent recover, the number of people having children may remain different. Following one cohort through time makes that echo easier to understand.

5–7 min

Questions you could explore

  • How would migration change the path of the same cohort?
  • Why can total births change even when an average fertility measure stays the same?

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Politics and society

How does an Irish referendum change the Constitution?

A constitutional change in Ireland has a journey before and after polling day. The proposed wording, the public vote, and formal enactment have distinct roles in changing the country's fundamental legal document.

4–5 min

How does an Irish referendum change the Constitution?

Politics and society4–5 minA constitutional change in Ireland has a journey before and after polling day. The proposed wording, the public vote, and formal enactment have distinct roles in changing the country's fundamental legal document.

Politics and society

Where can your next preference go in an Irish election?

A ballot in an Irish Dáil election can name more than a first choice. Later preferences may matter as candidates are excluded or elected with a surplus, which helps explain why a count can continue through several rounds.

6–8 min

Where can your next preference go in an Irish election?

Politics and society6–8 minA ballot in an Irish Dáil election can name more than a first choice. Later preferences may matter as candidates are excluded or elected with a surplus, which helps explain why a count can continue through several rounds.

Politics and society

How do you select a citizens’ assembly without holding an election?

Ireland's Citizens' Assembly on Drugs Use combined household invitations, volunteer responses, and selection against demographic criteria. That historical process aimed for a broad population profile without making participation an open sign-up or an election.

4–5 min

How do you select a citizens’ assembly without holding an election?

Politics and society4–5 minIreland's Citizens' Assembly on Drugs Use combined household invitations, volunteer responses, and selection against demographic criteria. That historical process aimed for a broad population profile without making participation an open sign-up or an election.

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