Politics, Governance, and Power Lecture Notes

Core Concepts of Politics, Governance, and Power

Politics is defined as the collective decision-making process concerning "who gets what, when, and how." It focuses on the state, public interest, consensus, and power struggles. Key Filipino thinkers analyze politics through cultural lenses: Jose Abueva emphasizes utang na loob and pakikisama, Renato Constantino notes a colonial reliance on strong leaders, and Virgilio Enriquez identifies kapwa (shared identity) as the base for collective action.

Governance is a broader, multi-directional process (state, NGOs, private sector, citizens) focusing on coordination and effectiveness rather than just control. The Eight Indicators of Good Governance (UN ESCAP) include being participatory, transparent, responsive, and accountable.

Power is the ability to influence others, distinguished as "Power TO" (ability to act) and "Power OVER" (ability to control).

Dimensions and Types of Power

Three Dimensions of Power:

  1. Decision-Making: Influencing choices through force or persuasion.
  2. Agenda-Setting: Controlling which issues are discussed.
  3. Thought Control: Shaping what people believe is desirable or possible.

Five Types of Power (French & Raven):

  • Reward: Compliance for value.
  • Coercive: Compliance to avoid punishment.
  • Legitimate: Rightful authority.
  • Expert: Based on knowledge.
  • Referent: Based on admiration.

Consequences of Power (Yukl):

  • Compliance: Following orders by necessity.
  • Commitment: Genuine internal agreement.
  • Resistance: Active opposition.

Shared Governance and Active Citizenship

Shared governance distributes responsibility between the state and citizens. In the Philippines, this is grounded in Article II, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution (sovereignty resides in the people) and the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160). Active citizenship ranges from being informed to leading community initiatives, exemplified by Bayanihan and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK).

Understanding Political Ideology

Political ideology is a coherent set of beliefs regarding the role of government, resource distribution, and individual rights. In the Philippines, parties are typically personality-based rather than ideology-based, making ideological literacy a critical civic skill for voters to evaluate platforms beyond party labels.

Comparison of Major Ideologies

  • Liberalism: Prioritizes individual freedom and civil liberties. Uses a market economy with government fairness regulations. (Example: 1987 Constitution).
  • Conservatism: Emphasizes tradition, stability, and gradual change. Supports private property and social order.
  • Socialism: Focuses on social equality and redistribution through high taxation and public services (Example: 4Ps, PhilHealth).
  • Communism: Aims for a classless society through state control of all production and central planning (Example: Maoist China, CPP-NPA).
  • Fascism: Identifies national unity and extreme nationalism as paramount. Features a dictatorial state that subordinates private ownership to national goals.
  • Anarchism: Advocates for the total abolition of the state in favor of voluntary cooperation.

Ideologies in Action: Case Files

  • Case 1 (Nordic System): Democratic Socialism featuring free healthcare/education and high social protection.
  • Case 2 (United States): Liberal Capitalism emphasizing free-market competition and individual entrepreneurship.
  • Case 3 (China): Communist/State-Socialist Market where the government controls major industries like banking and transport.
  • Case 4 (Philippines): Mixed/Pragmatic Economy combining public and private sectors with limited social programs.

Philippine Ideological History and Contemporary Issues

  • Jose Rizal: Liberal nationalist challenging colonial authority.
  • Huk Rebellion: Socialist mobilization of landless peasants.
  • Marcos Martial Law (1972-1986): Authoritarian nationalist period exhibiting significant fascist characteristics, including suppression of opposition and state-controlled press.
  • EDSA 1986: Liberal democratic restoration of sovereignty.

Red-Tagging: A contemporary Philippine issue involving the labeling of activists or journalists as communists/terrorists without evidence, used as a tool of political repression.

Distinction: Fascism is a specific ideology of extreme nationalism and dictatorial power, while authoritarianism is a broader category of centralized rule.