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.

Test your knowledge on the constitution, government, and judicial bodies in a country. Learn about the fundamental regulations and principles that guide the functioning of a state.