Philippine Constitution

Flashcards about the Philippine Constitution

Constitution

A body of rules and maxims in accordance with which the powers of sovereignty are habitually exercised.

Constitution of the Philippines

The supreme law of the Philippines.

Constitution of the Philippines

Written instrument by which the fundamental powers of the government are established, limited, and defined.

Constitution as the supreme or fundamental law

The charter creating the government, binding to all citizens and organizations, and the test of legality for all governmental actions.

Constitution establishing the basic framework of government

Prescribes the permanent framework of the system of government and assigns powers and duties to different branches.

Conventional or enacted constitution

Enacted by a constituent assembly or granted by a monarch.

Cumulative or evolved constitution

A product of a long period of development originating in customs and traditions.

Written Constitution

Given definite form at a particular time by a constitutional convention or commission.

Unwritten Constitution

Entirely a product of political evolution, consisting largely of customs and usages.

Rigid or inelastic constitution

Cannot be amended except by some special machinery.

Flexible or elastic constitution

Can be altered in the same way as other laws.

Advantage of a written constitution

Has clearness and definiteness, securing the rights of citizens.

Preamble

An introduction to the main subject of the Constitution.

Purpose and value of the Preamble

Sets down the origin and purposes of the constitution and may aid in its interpretation but has no legal implications.

National Territory

Comprises the Philippine archipelago and all territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction.

Civilian authority

Supreme over the military.

Armed Forces of the Philippines

Protector of the people and the State, securing sovereignty and national territory integrity.

Prime duty of the Government

To serve and protect the people.

Citizens of the Philippines

Those who are citizens at the time of adoption, those with Filipino parents, those born of Filipino mothers before January 17, 1973 who elect citizenship, and those naturalized.

Loyalty to the Republic

Faith and confidence in the Republic, love and devotion to the country.

Duty to defend the State

Loving and defending the state at all costs.

Contributing to the development and welfare of the State

Paying taxes, maintaining peace and order, conserving resources, promoting social justice, patronizing local products.

Exercising rights responsibly

Exercising rights while respecting the rights of others to ensure harmonious relationships.

Engaging in gainful work

Engaging in productive activities to provide for basic needs.

Good citizenship values derived from the Preamble

Faith in God, Unity, Patriotism, Respect for Law, Truth, Justice, Freedom, etc.