Constitutional evolution thumb|upright=0.9|Overprinted stamp Michael Collins described the Treaty as "the freedom to achieve freedom". In practice, the Treaty offered most of the symbols and powers of independence. These included a functioning, if disputed, parliamentary democracy with its own executive, judiciary and written constitution which could be changed by the Oireachtas. Although an Irish republic had not been on offer, the Treaty still afforded Ireland more internal independence than it had possessed in over 400 years, and far more autonomy than had ever been hoped for by those who had advocated for Home Rule.Michael Gallagher, "The changing constitution." in Politics in the Republic of Ireland (Routledge, 2009) pp.94-130.
constitutional evolution thumb|upright=09|overprinted stamp michael collins described the treaty as "the freedom to achieve freedom" in practice the treaty offered most of the symbols and powers of independence these included a functioning if disputed parliamentary democracy with its own executive judiciary and written constitution which could be changed by the oireachtas although an irish republic had not been on offer the treaty still afforded ireland more internal independence than it had possessed in over 400 years and far more autonomy than had ever been hoped for by those who had advocated for home rulemichael gallagher "the changing constitution" in politics in the republic of ireland (routledge 2009) pp94-130