READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY FINALS

Constitution

The highest law of the land; it creates the structure of government, defines its powers, and sets the guiding principles of the nation.

Preamble

The constitution's opening statement that expresses its purpose, values, and the guiding ideals of the people.

Plebiscite

A direct vote of the people to approve or reject a proposed constitution or its amendments, making the result legally binding.

Referendum

A vote by the people on a law passed by the legislature; it allows citizens to accept or reject legislative actions.

Essential Qualities

The qualities of a good written constitution: Broad (covers the whole structure of the state), Brief (focuses on essentials, avoids unnecessary detail), and Definite (clear enough to prevent confusion and conflicting interpretations).

Classification

The 1987 Philippine Constitution is Written (found in a single document), Conventional/Enacted (deliberately drafted by a constitutional body), and Rigid (can only be changed through a formal, difficult amendment process).

Constitution of Government

The part of the Constitution that lays out the structure, organization, and powers of the tripartite government—Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. It explains how government works and who holds what authority. (Examples: Article VI, VII, VIII)

Constitution of Liberty

The part that lists the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people. It protects citizens from abuses of power and ensures guarantees such as due process, free speech, and protection against unlawful arrest. (Examples: Article III - Bill of Rights, Writ of Habeas Corpus)

Constitution of Sovereignty

The part that explains how the Constitution may be amended or revised, showing that ultimate power rests with the people. It outlines processes through Congress (3/4 vote) or a Constitutional Convention. (Example: Article XVII)

Biak-na-Bato Constitution (1897)

A provisional revolutionary charter declaring separation from Spain, influenced by the Cuban Constitution and making Tagalog the official language.

Malolos Constitution (1899)

The first republican constitution in Asia, establishing the First Philippine Republic with legislative supremacy and Church-State separation.

1935 Constitution (Commonwealth)

A U.S.-mandated charter creating the Commonwealth Government for a transition to independence and granting women's suffrage.

1943 Constitution (Second Republic)

A wartime constitution under Japanese occupation, concentrating power in the President and lacking a strong Bill of Rights.

1973 Constitution (Marcos)

A charter that shifted toward a parliamentary system but enabled Marcos' centralized rule; ratified through "citizens' assemblies."

1986 Freedom Constitution

A provisional post-EDSA charter that preserved key rights while giving the transitional government authority until a new constitution was drafted.

1987 Constitution (Current)

The restored democratic charter with a presidential system, bicameral Congress, strong Bill of Rights, and reinforced checks and balances.

Primary Source

A first-hand account created by someone who directly witnessed or participated in the event, such as diaries, letters, travelogues, or artifacts.

Secondary Source

A source that interprets, analyzes, or explains primary sources, such as history textbooks or biographies.

Tertiary Source

A third-hand compilation that summarizes information from secondary sources, such as encyclopedias or Wikipedia pages.

Verisimilar

As close as possible to what truly happened; the goal of historical reconstruction after carefully examining all sources.

External Criticism

The test of a source's authenticity, checking if it is genuine by examining date, origin, materials, writing style, and signs of forgery.

Internal Criticism

The test of a source's credibility, evaluating the author's reliability, point of view, closeness to the event, and corroboration with other accounts.

Novelty

The historical importance of something because it was new, unique, or unprecedented.

Applicability

The significance of a past event because it is relevant or comparable to a present-day situation.

Memory

The importance of an event based on how it is remembered, commemorated, or honored in society.

Effect

The significance of an event based on how strongly it influenced later events or developments.

Aguinaldo Shrine

The site of the formal Proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898.

Barasoain Church

The site where the First Philippine Republic was inaugurated and the Malolos Constitution was drafted in 1899.

Paoay Church

A landmark of Earthquake Baroque architecture whose bell tower was used as an observation post by Filipino revolutionaries.

Tejeros Convention Site

The place where the Magdiwang and Magdalo factions formed a unified revolutionary government and army in 1897.

Cry of Revolution

A historical controversy involving conflicting accounts about the true date and location of the first major act of defiance against Spain, requiring careful source criticism.

First Mass Site

A historical dispute between Limasawa and Masao, based on differing primary accounts, about the true location of the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines.

Corregidor Island

A major World War II battleground known for its defense, bombardment, and eventual liberation; home to the Malinta Tunnel and other military structures.

Bahay Nakpil

A historic house in Quiapo notable for its traditional Filipino architecture and for serving as a meeting place for members of th