Politics & Governance
"Future Leader! Know your rights and understand how government works. Politics shapes our lives - be an informed citizen!"
1. The Philippine Government Structure 🏛️
The Philippines has a PRESIDENTIAL system with THREE CO-EQUAL BRANCHES of government based on the principle of SEPARATION OF POWERS.
Executive Branch
Function: IMPLEMENTS laws
- • Head: President
- • Term: 6 years, no re-election
- • Cabinet departments
- • Armed Forces commander
- • Veto power over bills
Legislative Branch
Function: MAKES laws
- • Bicameral Congress
- • Senate: 24 members, 6 years
- • House: 300+ members, 3 years
- • Power of the purse
- • Impeachment power
Judicial Branch
Function: INTERPRETS laws
- • Supreme Court (highest)
- • Court of Appeals
- • Regional Trial Courts
- • Judicial review power
- • Decides constitutionality
Checks and Balances:
- • Executive checks Legislative: Veto power
- • Legislative checks Executive: Impeachment, budget approval
- • Judicial checks both: Judicial review (declare laws unconstitutional)
2. Inherent Powers of the State 💪
These are powers that exist without being expressly stated in the Constitution because they are essential for the state to survive.
| Power | Definition | Example | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Power | Regulate behavior for public welfare | Curfews, building codes, health regulations | Due process, equal protection |
| Eminent Domain | Take private property for public use | Road construction, public schools | Just compensation required |
| Taxation | Impose taxes to fund government | Income tax, VAT, property tax | Uniform, equitable, public purpose |
📌 Key Difference:
Police Power: Regulates LIBERTY and property for public welfare
Eminent Domain: Takes PROPERTY with compensation
Taxation: Takes MONEY from citizens for government use
3. The 1987 Philippine Constitution 📜
The Constitution is the SUPREME LAW of the land. All laws must conform to it.
Key Articles:
- • Art. I: National Territory
- • Art. II: Declaration of Principles
- • Art. III: Bill of Rights
- • Art. VI: Legislative Department
- • Art. VII: Executive Department
- • Art. VIII: Judicial Department
Bill of Rights (Art. III) Highlights:
- • Right to life, liberty, property
- • Due process of law
- • Equal protection
- • Freedom of speech, press, assembly
- • Freedom of religion
- • Right against unreasonable search
- • Right to bail
- • Right to counsel
4. Political Ideologies 🗳️
Different ways of thinking about how society should be organized.
| Ideology | Core Belief | Government Role |
|---|---|---|
| Liberalism | Individual rights, freedom | Limited, protect rights |
| Conservatism | Tradition, stability | Maintain order, tradition |
| Socialism | Economic equality | Control economy, redistribute |
| Communism | Classless society | Own means of production |
| Fascism | Nationalism, strong leader | Total control, authoritarian |
5. Forms of Government 🌐
By Power Distribution
- Unitary: Power centralized (Philippines, France)
- Federal: Power shared with states (USA, Germany)
- Confederation: Loose alliance of states
By Executive-Legislative Relation
- Presidential: Separate branches (Philippines, USA)
- Parliamentary: Fused branches (UK, Japan)
By Number of Rulers
- Monarchy: Ruled by king/queen
- Aristocracy: Ruled by elite few
- Democracy: Ruled by the people
By Source of Authority
- De Jure: Lawful authority (legal)
- De Facto: Actual control (even if not legal)
6. Local Government in the Philippines 🏘️
Local Government Units (LGUs) are created to make governance more efficient and closer to the people (decentralization).
Hierarchy of LGUs:
Province → City/Municipality → Barangay
- • Province: Headed by Governor
- • City/Municipality: Headed by Mayor
- • Barangay: Headed by Barangay Captain (Punong Barangay)
Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA):
LGUs receive a share of national taxes. Distribution: 23% Province, 23% City, 34% Municipality, 20% Barangay
7. Citizenship and Suffrage 🇵🇭
Filipino Citizenship
- By Birth (Jus Sanguinis): Born to Filipino parents
- By Naturalization: Legal process for foreigners
- By Election: Child of foreign parent chooses PH citizenship
Qualifications to Vote
- • Filipino citizen
- • At least 18 years old
- • Resident for at least 1 year
- • Resident of voting place for 6 months
- • Not disqualified by law
📝 Practice Questions
1. What are the three branches of government and their main functions?
Show Answer
Executive (implements), Legislative (makes), Judicial (interprets) laws
2. What inherent power of the state allows taking of private property for public use?
Show Answer
Eminent Domain (requires just compensation)
3. What article of the Constitution contains the Bill of Rights?
Show Answer
Article III - Bill of Rights
4. What is the minimum age to vote in the Philippines?
Show Answer
18 years old
💡 Politics & Governance Exam Tips
- ✓ Three branches: Executive (implements), Legislative (makes), Judicial (interprets)
- ✓ Inherent powers: Police Power, Eminent Domain, Taxation
- ✓ Bill of Rights: Article III of the 1987 Constitution
- ✓ Presidential system: Separation of powers, fixed terms
- ✓ LGU hierarchy: Province → City/Municipality → Barangay
- ✓ Voting age: 18 years old, Filipino citizen
Test Your Knowledge! 🧠
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