State, Government, and Philippine Constitution Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering State concepts, Political Ideology, Philippine Constitutional history, Bill of Rights, Government branches, Local Governance, and Accountability of Public Officers based on the lecture notes.

State

An organized political community containing four must-have elements: People, Territory, Government, and Sovereignty.

People

The inhabitants or citizens living in a state; without people, no state can exist.

Territory

Fixed land, water, and air space where a state's authority applies.

Government

The group that makes and enforces laws for the people within a state.

Sovereignty

The highest power of a state, divided into internal power (rule within territory) and external power (freedom from control by other countries).

Nation

A cultural group of people united by the same culture, language, history, and values, which can exist without a state.

Globalization

The process of countries becoming more connected through trade, technology, ideas, and cooperation, making borders feel less separate.

Constitution

The basic principles and laws of a nation that set government powers and duties while guaranteeing the people's rights.

1899 Malolos Constitution

The first republican charter created after independence, marking the end of colonial rule.

1935 Commonwealth Constitution

The constitution designed for a transition government to prepare the Philippines for full independence.

1943 Constitution

The constitution framed under Japanese rule that was recognized only in Japanese-controlled areas.

1973 Constitution

The charter established during the Martial Law era under 'Constitutional Authoritarianism,' which shifted the government to a modified parliamentary system where Marcos held combined executive, legislative, and judicial powers.

1986 Freedom Constitution

The provisional charter proclaimed on March 25, 1986, right after the EDSA Revolution.

1987 Constitution

The current Philippine Constitution ratified on February 2, 1987, which restored the presidential system and bicameral Congress, stating that sovereignty resides in the people.

Amendment

The process of changing specific parts or words of the constitution only, proposed by Congress with a 2/3 vote or through a people's initiative.

Revision

Big changes or the rewriting of major sections of the constitution, requiring a Constitutional Convention followed by a ratification vote by the people.

Social Contract Agreement

An agreement where people give the government power and authority, and in return, the government protects their rights, safety, and well-being.

Monarchy

A form of government ruled by one person (king or queen), where power is usually passed down within a family.

Democracy

A form of government where power belongs to the people, exercised directly or by voting for leaders.

Republic

A form of government where people elect leaders to represent them.

Unitary Government

A system where power is mostly concentrated with the national government.

Federal Government

A system where power is shared between the national government and state or regional governments.

Theocracy

A government ruled by God or religious laws, where religious leaders hold power.

Presidential System

A system where the President is elected by the people for a fixed term and power is divided among three separate branches.

Parliamentary System

A system where the Prime Minister is chosen by the legislature, has no fixed term, and executive power is drawn from the legislature.

Destutt de Tracy

The French philosopher who coined the word 'ideology' in 1796 to mean a new science to find the roots of conscious thought and ideas.

Ideology

Originally defined in 1796 as the 'science of ideas', and defined in modern usage as a set of beliefs used to describe ideas seen as distorted or concealing hidden interests.

Peter Braham (2013)

Defined ideology as a systematic set of related ideas about culture, society, and human life.

Liberalism

A political ideology focused on promoting more freedom and democracy.

Communism

A political ideology advocating strong state control and one-party rule.

Socialism

A political ideology where the government provides social welfare and regulates the economy.

Ecologism

A political ideology in which the government prioritizes environmental protection.

Fascism

A political ideology centered on strong authoritarian leadership.

Feminism

A political ideology advocating equal representation and a gender-inclusive government.

Conservatism

A political ideology focused on preserving tradition and maintaining stability.

Cosmopolitanism

A political ideology emphasizing global cooperation and human rights.

Social Democracy

A political framework combining democracy with strong social welfare programs.

Marxism

A political ideology where the government works to eliminate social classes.

Anarchism

A political ideology advocating minimal or no centralized government.

Centralization

A governance structure where all power is held by the national government and local units just follow orders.

Decentralization

A governance structure where power is given to Local Government Units (LGUs) to decide and solve problems faster locally.

Alcalde Mayor

The head of the province during the Spanish Era who also acted as judge and administrator.

Gobernadorcillo

Meaning 'Little Governor', the town leader and lowest elected official during the Spanish Era.

Principalía

Elite families during the Spanish Era who chose local leaders.

Local Government Code (R.A. 7160)

The 1991 law that marked the biggest shift to decentralization in Philippine local government, providing LGUs with more power, their own budget, and local planning autonomy.

Sandiganbayan

The special court designated under Article XI, Section 4 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution for corrupt government officials.

Ombudsman

The 'Public watchdog' under Article XI, Section 5 tasked with investigating and prosecuting corruption in government.