Philippine Politics, Governance, and Government Types

Flashcards covering Political Science, State vs Government, Types of Government, Branches and Structures of Government, Systems of Power, and Indicators of Good Governance based on the lecture notes.

What Latin verb and Greek word does the word "Governance" originate from, and what do they mean?

It originates from the Latin verb "gubernare" and the Greek word "kubernaein," both meaning "to steer."

How is "Governance" defined in public administration?

A way of running public affairs and managing resources in a manner that is participatory, transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of society, while upholding the rule of law.

How do the notes define a "Government"?

An institution or group of institutions through which an independent society makes and carries out rules of action necessary for the people to live in a social state or those imposed upon them by those holding power and authority.

What is the Merriam-Webster definition of government cited in the transcript?

"The body of persons that constitutes the governing authority of a political unit or organization"

What is the primary difference in permanence between a state and a government?

A state is permanent, whereas a government is temporary and changes with elections, regimes, or leaders.

How do a state and a government differ with respect to sovereignty?

A state holds supreme authority internally and externally, while a government exercises power on behalf of the state.

What defines an Absolute Monarchy?

A system where the monarch holds absolute political power, can make laws without approval from an elected legislature, and is not limited by a constitution.

What defines a Constitutional Monarchy?

A system where a constitution and laws limit the monarch's power, making the king or queen the head of state while a prime minister and parliament make and enforce laws.

What are the Greek root words for "Aristocracy" and what do they mean?

"Aristos" meaning "best", and "kratos" or "kratia" meaning "rule" or "power".

How do Aristocracy and Oligarchy differ in their basis of power?

Aristocracy is based on nobility, hereditary titles, or perceived virtue, whereas Oligarchy is based on wealth, influence, or self-interest.

How do Aristocracy and Oligarchy differ in their governing goals?

The goal of Aristocracy is to govern for the common good, while an Oligarchy often serves its own self-interest rather than the public interest.

What is the main distinction between Direct Democracy and Representative Democracy?

In a Direct Democracy, people vote on issues directly (e.g., ancient Athens, Tejeros Convention), whereas in a Representative Democracy, people elect leaders to govern for them (e.g., PH & USA).

What are the core characteristics of a Dictatorship?

Power is held by one person or a small group, there are no regular free elections, and individual rights are limited or suspended.

How do Authoritarianism and Totalitarianism differ in terms of individual freedoms?

Authoritarianism limits political freedom while permitting some personal and social freedom, whereas Totalitarianism allows no political or personal freedom and controls all aspects of life through ideology, propaganda, and fear.

According to Aristotle, what is a "polity"?

A mixed government that combines elements of oligarchy (rule by the wealthy few) and democracy (rule by the poor many), which he considered the most stable and just practical form of government aiming for the common good.

How did political scientist John Burgess classify governments?

He classified governments based on the source of sovereignty and the structure of the state.

According to the identity or non-identity of state to government, what is the difference between Primary and Representative government?

In a Primary government, the people govern themselves directly and decide on issues without representatives, while in a Representative government, the people choose representatives to govern for them.

How do Elective and Hereditary governments differ in the manner of instituting officials?

In an Elective government, representatives are chosen by the popular will of the people (directly or indirectly via an electoral college), whereas in a Hereditary government, political titles and honors are transferred through inheritance.

What is the difference between a Unitary government and Federalism in terms of power distribution?

In a Unitary government, control over national and local affairs is exercised by a central government, whereas in Federalism, powers are divided between a central government and regional/state governments.

What are the three main branches of government and their functions?

Executive (enforces laws), Legislative (makes laws), and Judiciary (interprets laws).

What political structure and relationship between branches is depicted in this diagram?

Parliamentary system, where citizens elect the legislative branch, which in turn selects the executive branch led by a Prime Minister.

What political structure and relationship between branches is depicted in this diagram?

Presidential system, where citizens separately elect both the executive and legislative branches, and the president serves as both head of state and head of government.

In terms of internal authority, where does internal sovereignty lie in Totalitarianism, Democracy, and Monarchy?

In Totalitarianism, sovereignty lies in a single political party; in Democracy, it is vested in the people; in Monarchy, it is held by a single individual (king, queen, emperor).

What is a Colonial Government?

A system of rule under a special condition of sovereignty established by a colonizing power over a dependent territory to extract resources, impose political control, and spread its culture.

What is the difference between De Jure and De Facto legitimacy?

De Jure authority is established through legal or constitutional means, whereas De Facto authority is established through unconstitutional or unlawful means like revolutions, succession, or military occupation.

How does the World Bank define governance?

"The rules of the political system to solve conflicts between actors and adopt decision (legality)" and "the manner in which power is exercised in the management of a country's economic and social resources for development".

What are the eight indicators of good governance listed in the notes?

Participatory, Rule of Law, Effectiveness and Efficiency, Transparency, Responsiveness, Equitable and Inclusive, Consensus-Oriented, and Accountability.

Under the indicators of good governance, what does the Rule of Law require?

No one is above the law, peace and order are maintained, and irrelevant laws must be amended or repealed to cater to modern demands.

Under the indicators of good governance, what does Transparency require?

Information and decision-making processes must be fully disclosed and made accessible to the public (e.g., SALN, budget allocation).

What principle governs the "Equitable and Inclusive" indicator of good governance?

The consideration of all members of society, especially vulnerable ones, reflecting the concept that "those who have less have more in law" (e.g., 4Ps, scholarships).

How is Accountability defined as an indicator of good governance?

An obligation to explain and be answerable for the consequences of decisions and actions made on behalf of the community served.