1204-MIDTERM

The organization and framework that delineates the distribution of powers, responsibilities, and functions of the government in the Philippines, which is structured into three branches: the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches, each with distinct functions and powers.

Structure of the Philippine Government

Three Branches of Government

The division of government into three separate entities to prevent the concentration of power: the Legislative Branch creates laws, the Executive Branch implements and enforces laws, and the Judicial Branch interprets laws and ensures justice.

Legislative Branch

The branch responsible for the creation and enactment of laws, comprising a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Senators serve six-year terms with a maximum of two terms, while representatives serve three-year terms with a limit of three terms.

Judicial Branch

The system of courts established to interpret and apply the law. It includes the Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the Philippines, responsible for ensuring judicial review and upholding the constitution.

Executive Branch

The component of the government responsible for enforcing and executing laws passed by the legislature, led by the President of the Philippines, who also acts as the Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces and is responsible for the administration of the state.

Legislative Powers

The authority granted to the legislative branch to formulate, amend, and repeal laws. This includes powers to approve budgets, regulate commerce, and establish federal policies.

Judicial Powers

The powers held by the judicial branch to interpret laws, resolve legal disputes, and conduct judicial review to assess the constitutionality of legislative or executive actions.

Executive Powers

The powers exercised by the Executive Branch, which include the authority to implement and enforce laws, administer public policies, and command the military forces.

Checks and Balances

A system designed to ensure that no single branch of government becomes too powerful. Each branch has specific powers to check the others, maintaining a balance of power within the government.

High Points of Legislative Branch

The legislative branch is responsible for representing the electorate, creating laws that promote social welfare, and overseeing government actions through hearings and investigations.

Low Points of Legislative Branch

Challenges faced include political partisanship, potential for corruption, and the influence of special interests, which can impede effective governance.

High Points of Judicial Branch

The judicial branch serves as the protector of rights and liberties, ensuring justice is served and upholding the rule of law, with landmark rulings that can enact significant social change.

Low Points of Judicial Branch

Issues may arise from judicial activism, judicial capture, or backlog of cases, which can affect the speed and effectiveness of the legal system.

High Points of Executive Branch

The executive branch can respond rapidly to crises, implement policies, and drive national initiatives, playing a key role in governance.

Low Points of Executive Branch

Potential overreach of power and the risks of hyper-presidentialism, where the executive attempts to extend its authority beyond constitutional limits.

Qualifications for the President of the Philippines

Must be a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, at least 40 years old, a registered voter, and a resident of the Philippines for at least 10 years.

Qualifications for a Senator

Must be a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, at least 35 years old, a registered voter, and a resident of the Philippines for at least 2 years.

Qualifications for a House Representative

Must be a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, at least 25 years old, and a resident of the district they represent for at least 1 year.

Judicial Qualifications for Supreme Court Justices

Must be a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, a member of the Philippine Bar, and must have at least 15 years of legal practice or teaching law.

Legislative Terms

Senators serve 6-year terms with a maximum of 2 terms, while House Representatives serve 3-year terms with a limit of 3 terms.

Judicial Appointments

Supreme Court Justices are appointed by the President of the Philippines from a list provided by the Judicial and Bar Council.

Executive Qualifications

The President must be a natural-born citizen, at least 40 years old, and a registered voter, and must not have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.