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Questions and Answers
What is the main responsibility of the Senate in the legislative branch?
What is the main responsibility of the Senate in the legislative branch?
How long is the term for a Senator in the Philippines?
How long is the term for a Senator in the Philippines?
Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the House of Representatives?
Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the House of Representatives?
How many members does the House of Representatives approximately have?
How many members does the House of Representatives approximately have?
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Which of the following figures is a member of the House of Representatives?
Which of the following figures is a member of the House of Representatives?
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What is the official title for the legislative branch in the Philippines?
What is the official title for the legislative branch in the Philippines?
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What is the primary role of the legislative branch?
What is the primary role of the legislative branch?
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Which of the following statements about the Senate and House of Representatives is true?
Which of the following statements about the Senate and House of Representatives is true?
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What is the primary responsibility of the House of Representatives?
What is the primary responsibility of the House of Representatives?
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Who is referred to as the 'sponsor' of a bill?
Who is referred to as the 'sponsor' of a bill?
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What happens to a bill if the committee does not act on it?
What happens to a bill if the committee does not act on it?
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What is a subcommittee's role in the legislative process?
What is a subcommittee's role in the legislative process?
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Which body has the exclusive power to confirm presidential appointments?
Which body has the exclusive power to confirm presidential appointments?
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What occurs during the committee 'mark up' phase?
What occurs during the committee 'mark up' phase?
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Where can a bill be found once it is introduced?
Where can a bill be found once it is introduced?
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What is the purpose of committee hearings?
What is the purpose of committee hearings?
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What distinguishes a resolution from a bill?
What distinguishes a resolution from a bill?
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What is a joint resolution typically related to?
What is a joint resolution typically related to?
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How can amendments be added during the legislative process?
How can amendments be added during the legislative process?
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What constitutes a quorum in the Philippine Congress?
What constitutes a quorum in the Philippine Congress?
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Which voting method records each member's vote individually?
Which voting method records each member's vote individually?
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What is required for certain matters like constitutional amendments to pass?
What is required for certain matters like constitutional amendments to pass?
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What are some of the challenges that the legislative branch faces?
What are some of the challenges that the legislative branch faces?
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What is the primary purpose of a bill?
What is the primary purpose of a bill?
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What happens if a committee votes not to report a bill to the full chamber?
What happens if a committee votes not to report a bill to the full chamber?
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What is the procedure called when a committee votes to report a bill to the floor?
What is the procedure called when a committee votes to report a bill to the floor?
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When a bill is passed by one chamber, what happens next?
When a bill is passed by one chamber, what happens next?
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What is the role of a conference committee in the legislative process?
What is the role of a conference committee in the legislative process?
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Under what condition does a bill automatically become law without the President's signature?
Under what condition does a bill automatically become law without the President's signature?
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What is required for Congress to successfully override a presidential veto?
What is required for Congress to successfully override a presidential veto?
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What defines a bill in the legislative process?
What defines a bill in the legislative process?
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What distinguishes a general bill from a local bill?
What distinguishes a general bill from a local bill?
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What is one potential negative effect of political dynasties on governance?
What is one potential negative effect of political dynasties on governance?
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How does the legislative branch foster transparency in governance?
How does the legislative branch foster transparency in governance?
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What role does the legislative branch play in representing citizens?
What role does the legislative branch play in representing citizens?
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What aspect of governance is primarily enhanced through the bicameral system?
What aspect of governance is primarily enhanced through the bicameral system?
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What is the impact of insufficient access to information regarding legislative processes?
What is the impact of insufficient access to information regarding legislative processes?
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In what way does the legislative branch contribute to democracy?
In what way does the legislative branch contribute to democracy?
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Which of the following is NOT a function of the legislative branch?
Which of the following is NOT a function of the legislative branch?
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What effect can scandals and unethical behavior have on the legislative branch?
What effect can scandals and unethical behavior have on the legislative branch?
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Study Notes
Bicameral System in the Philippines
- The legislative branch consists of two houses: the Senate (upper house) and the House of Representatives (lower house).
The Senate
- Composed of 24 senators elected for six-year terms.
- Key responsibilities include reviewing legislation, approving treaties, and overseeing executive actions.
- Notable senators include Alan Peter Cayetano, Risa Hontiveros, Mark Villar, and Raffy Tulfo.
House of Representatives
- Roughly 300 members, elected for three-year terms.
- Responsible for initiating revenue bills and representing diverse interests of the population.
- Composed of district representatives (254 members) and party-list representatives (63 members).
- Notable representatives include Marlyn "Len" B. Alonte, Loreto S. Amante, Jc Abalos, and Drixie Mae S. Cardema.
Legislative Functions
- Both chambers work collaboratively to create laws, ensure accountability, and uphold democratic principles.
- The Senate has exclusive powers for ratifying treaties and confirming presidential appointments.
- The House has unique authority to initiate revenue-related legislation.
Legislative Process for Creating Laws
- Drafting: Any Congress member can draft a bill, which can arise from various sources including advocacy groups.
- Introduction: Once drafted, a bill is introduced in either the House or Senate depending on the sponsor.
- Committee Review: Upon introduction, it is sent to a committee for examination. Hearings may occur to gather insights from experts and stakeholders.
- Subcommittee Review: Committees may delegate to subcommittees for further specialization.
- Mark Up: Committees meet to revise the bill before recommending it for debate.
- Voting: The full chamber debates and votes on the bill.
- Referral to Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the opposite chamber for a similar process.
- Presidential Approval: If both chambers approve, the bill is sent to the President, who may sign or veto it.
- Veto Overrides: Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both houses.
Key Legislative Terms
- Bills: Proposed laws presented for consideration; once passed and signed, they become law.
- Resolutions: Formal expressions of opinion but do not have the force of law; can be joint or simple resolutions.
- Amendments: Changes proposed to bills or laws during the legislative process.
- Quorum: Minimum attendance required for conducting legislative business; typically half plus one.
- Voting Procedures: Include voice votes, division votes, and roll call votes, with majority required for passing.
Challenges Facing the Legislative Branch
- Corruption: Misuse of power undermines public trust; factors include favoritism and bribery.
- Political Dynasties: Concentration of political power within families limits diverse representation.
- Public Trust and Transparency: Scandals and lack of access to information can erode public confidence in legislators.
Conclusion
- The legislative branch plays a crucial role in shaping national policy, enacting laws, and representing citizens.
- The bicameral structure ensures checks and balances, enhancing governance effectiveness.
- Understanding its functions is essential for grasping the dynamics of the Philippine political framework and fostering public engagement in democracy.
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Description
Explore the structure and functions of the legislative branch in the Philippines, including the roles of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Learn about notable senators and representatives, as well as the collaborative efforts of both chambers in law-making and governance.
