PPGC Week 1_merged

PHILIPPINE POLITICS, GOVERNMENT, AND CITIZENSHIP

WEEK 1: POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE

AGENDA

• Nature and Definition of Politics

• The Study of Politics: Political Science

• Importance of Politics and Government

• Meaning of Governance

• Characteristics of Good Governance

• Approaches in the Study of Different Political Structures and Institutions

NATURE OF POLITICS

• Politics exists due to disagreements about aims and methods (S. G. Richards, 1978).

• Politics involves conflict which requires the acquisition of power to achieve political objectives.

• It is the mechanism through which we understand and organize social relations and resolve conflicts.

DEFINITIONS OF POLITICS

• Politics as the strategy for maintaining cooperation among people with differing ideals (Amable Tuibeo).

• Harold Lasswell defines politics as questions surrounding "who gets what, when, and how."

STUDY OF POLITICS: POLITICAL SCIENCE

• Political Science systematically studies political structures, processes, and behavior.

• Traditional approach: Normative view of politics based on ethics and institutions.

• Behavioral approach: Emphasis on scientific, empirical methods, and value-free study of political phenomena.

IMPORTANCE OF POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

• Awareness of political events is crucial for personal impact.

• Political decisions affect many lives, highlighting the need for informed citizenry.

• The political illiterate is unaware of the implications of decisions made (Bertolt Brecht).

MEANING OF GOVERNANCE

• Governance (from Latin "gubernare"; Greek "kubernaein") means to steer.

• It concerns the exercise of power by societal sectors to enact public policies and manage social development.

CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD GOVERNANCE

• Participation: Involvement of diverse societal sectors in decision-making.

• Rule of Law: Governance must adhere to laws that protect citizens’ rights.

• Effectiveness and Efficiency: Adequate management of resources and functionalities.

• Transparency: Openness in decision-making and public services.

• Responsiveness: Timely and appropriate government actions addressing citizens' needs.

• Equity and Inclusiveness: Consideration of all societal groups, especially marginalized ones.

• Consensus-Oriented: Decision-making involving different interests is key for community benefits.

• Accountability: Responsibility of government officials for actions taken on behalf of citizens.

WEEK 2: THE STATE

AGENDA

• Definition of State

• Four Elements of State

• Theories on the Origin of the State

• Difference Between Nation and State

• Inherent Powers of the State

DEFINITION AND ELEMENTS OF STATE

• A state is characterized by a community of people within a defined territory governed with habitual obedience and devoid of external control.

• Four Key Elements of the State:

  • People: The population governed.

  • Territory: The land and boundaries of the state.

  • Government: The entity that exercises political authority.

  • Sovereignty: The supreme power to command obedience and independence from external control.

THEORIES ON THE ORIGIN OF THE STATE

• Divine Right Theory: State as divinely created with rulers ordained by God.

• Necessity (Force) Theory: Creation of states arises from power dynamics among strong and weak.

• Natural Instinctive Theory: State emerges from man's social instincts for association.

• Social Contract Theory: States formed through voluntary agreements among individuals seeking law and order.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STATE AND NATION

• State: A political entity with governance, territory, and sovereignty.

• Nation: A socio-cultural community united by common racial ancestry, language, and historical experience.

• A single state may encompass multiple nations, while a nation can exist independently of a state.

INHERENT POWERS OF THE STATE

• Police Power: Enforces laws for public welfare.

• Eminent Domain: Government's right to take private property for public use with compensation.

• Taxation: The state's inherent capability to collect revenues from individuals and entities within its jurisdiction.

WEEK 3: POLITICAL POWER

AGENDA

• Meaning and Nature of Power

• Dimensions of National Power

• Methods of Exercising National Power

• Types of Political Authority

MEANING AND NATURE OF POWER

• Power defined in human relations as control over behavior through coercive means or influence.

• National Power combines capabilities used to achieve national goals and interests.

DIMENSIONS OF NATIONAL POWER

• Military Power: Essential for national security and international standing.

• Economic Power: Determines a country’s ability to influence others through trade and aid.

• Psychological Power: Involves the perception and opinion impact of a nation on others.

METHODS OF EXERCISING NATIONAL POWER

• Persuasion: Convincing others to adopt a certain viewpoint.

• Rewards: Providing incentives or material support to other states.

• Punishments: Imposing sanctions or threats against non-compliance.

• Force: Using military action as a last resort to achieve compliance.

TYPES OF POLITICAL AUTHORITY (MAX WEBER)

• Traditional Authority: Rooted in societal customs and heritage.

• Charismatic Authority: Based on an individual’s personal qualities

• Legal-Rational Authority: Derived from established laws governing action and policy-making.

WEEK 4: GOVERNMENT

AGENDA

• Classifications of Governments

• Political Ideologies

CLASSIFICATIONS OF GOVERNMENTS

• By number of rulers: Anarchy, Monarchy, Aristocracy, Democracy.

• By power distribution: Unitary, Federal.

• By executive-legislative relationship: Parliamentary, Presidential.

POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES

• Libertarianism: Emphasis on individual freedom and minimal government intervention.

• Socialism: Focuses on collective ownership and equitable resource distribution.

• Liberalism: Advocates for individual rights, civil liberties, and economic freedom.

• Conservatism: Emphasizes tradition, gradual change, and societal stability.

• Fascism: Centralized authoritarian government with limited personal freedoms.

WEEK 5: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT

AGENDA

• Development of Philippine Government

• Historical Constitutions

DEVELOPMENT OF PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT

• Pre-colonial Period: Existence of barangays ruled by datus.

• Spanish Period (1565-1898): Centralized government under Spanish colonial rule.

• American Period (1898-1946): Introduction of American democratic principles; establishment of civil government.

• Post-Independence: Emergence of various Philippine Republics and respective constitutions.

HISTORICAL CONSTITUTIONS

• Biak-na-Bato Constitution (1897): Early revolution-era constitution establishing a republic.

• Malolos Constitution (1899): First republican constitution in Asia.

• Commonwealth Constitution (1935): Established a democratic framework, leading to independence.

• 1943 Constitution: Created during Japanese occupation; widely regarded as illegitimate unless recognized by the U.S.

• 1973 Constitution: Introduced parliamentary structure; later manipulated under Marcos' regime.

• 1987 Constitution: Established after People Power Revolution, restoring democratic governance.