Social Studies 4 – Lesson 1.1 “My Country, The Philippines”

A set of question-and-answer flashcards covering definitions of country and nation, theories of statehood, the four elements of a country, territorial components, and specific details about the Philippines’ territory and maritime rights.

What is the basic definition of a country?

A self-governing political entity or region of land with borders, its own leaders, and rules.

How many recognized countries are there in the world today?

195.

Name the seven continents of the world.

North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Antarctica.

What is the definition of a nation?

A group of people who share the same culture, language, institutions, and history.

According to the declarative theory, what four elements must a country possess?

Territory, sovereignty, government, and citizens.

Which theory defines a country based on international recognition?

Constitutive theory.

Give an example of a country explained by the declarative theory in the notes.

The Philippines in Southeast Asia.

Give an example of a country explained by the constitutive theory in the notes.

South Sudan in Africa.

List the four elements of a country.

Territory, citizens, government, and sovereignty.

What does ‘territory’ include?

Land, water, and air boundaries over which a country has jurisdiction.

Who are considered the citizens of the Philippines?

People who identify themselves as Filipinos or Pinoy.

Define government in the context of a country.

Institutions that govern or administer the affairs of a country; a political organization that works for the people.

What is sovereignty?

Supreme power or authority, including the capacity to enter into relations with other countries.

Approximately how large is the total land area of the Philippines?

About 300,000 square kilometers.

What type of country is the Philippines geographically?

An archipelago (island country).

Why do Filipinos have abundant fishing areas?

Because the Philippines is surrounded by water.

Which constitutional document defines the national territory of the Philippines?

The 1987 Philippine Constitution.

Name the three domains that make up the territorial components of the Philippines.

Terrestrial (land), fluvial (water), and aerial (airspace) domains.

Under UNCLOS, how far does the Philippines’ territorial sea extend from its shores?

12 nautical miles.

What is the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Philippines according to UNCLOS?

An area up to 200 nautical miles from Philippine shores where only Filipinos may exploit natural resources.

State the Archipelagic Doctrine in one sentence.

All waters surrounding, between, and connecting the islands of an archipelagic state belong to that state as a single unit.

Give one reason why defining the bases of Philippine territory is important.

It determines the government’s jurisdiction, the extent of sovereignty, coverage of natural resources, and serves as the legal basis for territorial claims.