signing their names bellow a copy of the pledge that they referred to as the "Empty Formula". He used the years of opposition after 1927 to attack the Free State Government on a number of economic and constitutional issues. Due to the political maneuvers of De Valera, the Fianna Fail gained an absolute majority in the election of 1932. When the Republicans came to power they freed political prisoners, built industry and significant social reforms. The most significant achievement of the new party was the abolition of the Oath of Allegiance."Let it be made clear that we yield no willing assent to any form or symbol that is out of keeping with Ireland's right as a sovereign nation. Let us remove these forms one by one, so that this State that we control may be a Republic." Eamon De Valera delivered these words on April 23rd, 1933. He initiated this removal with the dissolution of the oath of allegiance in May 1933. He followed this achievement with two bills limiting the power of the governor-general. Another crucial measure eliminated the English courts appellate power over the decisions of Irish courts. When De Valera had congested the existing constitution with amendments, he received the new challenge with eager anticipation. Stating that the old constitution was "no longer a fit document to be regarded as the fundamental law". The most momentous "stepping stone towards freedom" achieved by de Valera's new administration was the framing of the new constitution. De Valera instructed his subordinates to draft a republican constitution that would maintain ties with Britain. The new constitution would create a president, elected at-large. De Valera put considerable effort into the possibility of a bicameral legislature, establishing a committee to investigate the matter in June 1936. The committee was divided over whom the new legislative body would represent the right of the referral of legislature to the public. ...
