Constitutional Development of the Philippines

1935 Constitution

First constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.

Commonwealth of the Philippines

Name of government before Philippine independence.

Bicameral Legislature

Legislative body with two chambers.

COMELEC

Commission on Elections in the Philippines.

Parity Agreement

Equal rights for Americans and Filipinos in resources.

Women Suffrage

Filipino women first in Asia to vote.

Tydings-McDuffie Law

Philippine Independence Act approved in 1934.

Constitutional Convention

Gathering to draft the 1935 Constitution.

Ratification

Official approval of the Constitution by voters.

Bill of Rights

List of fundamental rights protected by the Constitution.

Malolos Constitution

First Philippine Republic constitution from 1898.

Martial Law

Temporary military rule over civil government.

Constitutional Commission

Body to draft the 1987 Constitution.

Freedom Constitution

Provisional constitution after the revolutionary government.

Majority Rule

Governance principle where majority's decision prevails.

Sovereignty of the People

Authority rests with the citizens of the state.

Separation of Powers

Division of government into branches.

Independence of the Judiciary

Judicial branch operates free from other branches.

Nationalization of Resources

Government ownership of natural resources.

Rule of Law

Law applies equally to all individuals.

Human Rights Guarantee

Protection of individual rights by the Constitution.

Public Service Morality

Ethical conduct expected from public officials.

Non-Suability of the State

State cannot be sued without its consent.

Amendments

Changes made to the Constitution.

Plebiscite

Vote by the electorate on constitutional changes.

Constitutional Drafting Process

Steps taken to create a new constitution.

Government of Laws

Government operates under established laws, not individuals.

Family as Social Institution

Recognition of family's role in society.

Youth in Nation Building

Importance of youth in societal development.