Constitution and Governance Quiz

The Constitution

• A country is run by the government, judicial bodies, its people, and most importantly by the Constitution, which serves as the backbone of the country.
• The Constitution is the embodiment of fundamental regulations and principles according to which the country, state, and its people are supposed to work.

Definition of Constitution

• A Constitution is the basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people.
• It is a written instrument embodying the rules of a political or social organization.

Philippine Constitution

• The 1987 Philippine Constitution was ratified by the Filipino people in a plebiscite held on February 2, 1987.
• The preamble of the 1987 Constitution states that the sovereign Filipino people aim to build a just and humane society and establish a government that embodies national ideals and aspirations.

Citizenship

• Those who are citizens of the Philippines at the time of the adoption of the Constitution are considered citizens.
• Those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines are also considered citizens.
• Those born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers can elect Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority.
• Those who are naturalized in accordance with law can also become citizens.

Rights and Responsibilities

• For every right, there is always a corresponding responsibility.
• Important duties and obligations of every person living in a constitutional democracy like the Philippines include:
  • Being loyal to the Republic
  • Defending the State
  • Contributing to the development and welfare of the State
  • Upholding the Constitution and obeying the laws
  • Cooperating with duly constituted authorities
  • Exercising rights responsibly and with due regard for the rights of others
  • Engaging in gainful work
  • Registering and voting

Bill of Rights

• The Bill of Rights is Article III of the Philippine Constitution.
• It is an enumeration of the people's rights and privileges which the Constitution is to protect against violations and abuses.
• It establishes the relationship of the individual to the State and defines the rights of the individual by limiting the lawful powers of the State.
• Important rights include:
  • The right to life, liberty, or property without due process of law, and equal protection of laws.
  • The right to be secured in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
  • The privacy of communication and correspondence shall be inviolable except upon lawful order of the court, or when public safety or order requires otherwise as prescribed by law.