Philippine Constitution: Article VI Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the main focus of Article VI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution?

The Executive Department

The Legislative Department (correct)

The Judicial Department

Local Government

What is the maximum number of terms a member of the House of Representatives can serve consecutively?

2 terms

6 terms

3 terms (correct)

4 terms

Who serves as the Presiding Officer of the Senate?

The Speaker of the House

The Vice President

The Senate President (correct)

The Chief Justice

How does the legislative power of Congress primarily safeguard democracy in the Philippines?

By allowing representation and public participation in lawmaking Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum age requirement to be elected as a Senator in the Philippines?

30 years old Signup and view all the answers

What is the legislative power of Congress primarily intended for?

Making laws Signup and view all the answers

For how many years is a Senator elected under Article VI?

6 years Signup and view all the answers

Under Article VI, who has the power to declare the existence of a state of war?

Congress Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Doctrine of Lapse in the context of governance?

To facilitate the annexation of territories Signup and view all the answers

How does Article VI contribute to a balanced representation in Congress?

By having district and sectoral representatives in the House Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the prohibition on holding more than one government office according to Article VI?

To ensure officials focus on legislative duties Signup and view all the answers

What consequence does Congress face if it fails to pass a budget as outlined in Article VI?

Government operations may shut down Signup and view all the answers

How does the provision for a special election for Senate vacancies support democracy?

It minimizes the duration of an unoccupied Senate seat Signup and view all the answers

What result might occur if Congress disregards the legislative process outlined in Article VI?

Disenfranchisement of the people's representation Signup and view all the answers

How does accountability in enacting the General Appropriations Act reflect democratic values?

It supports alignment of financial resources with national priorities Signup and view all the answers

What role does the oversight function of Congress play in maintaining the balance of power as described in Article VI?

It ensures laws are implemented properly by the Executive branch Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Article VI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution

Article VI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution focuses on the Legislative Department, outlining its structure, powers, and responsibilities.

Composition and Structure of Congress:

Congress is composed of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives, creating a bicameral legislature.
The Senate has 24 members, each elected at-large for six-year terms.
The House of Representatives has a maximum of 300 members, including district representatives and sectoral representatives.
District representatives represent specific geographical areas while sectoral representatives represent specific sectors of society.
Members of the House of Representatives are elected for three-year terms.

Electoral Qualifications:

Senators must be at least 35 years old, a Filipino citizen, and a registered voter.
Members of the House of Representatives must be at least 25 years old, a Filipino citizen, and a registered voter.

Leadership and Presiding Officers:

The Senate President presides over the Senate.
The Speaker of the House presides over the House of Representatives.

Legislative Power:

Congress has the primary power to make laws, known as the legislative power.
The bicameral structure helps ensure checks and balances by requiring both houses to approve laws before they are enacted.

Key Powers of Congress:

Declare a state of war: The Senate can, along with the House of Representatives, declare a state of war or a state of national emergency.
Approve the budget: Congress has the power to approve the national budget, ensuring the allocation of public funds based on national priorities.
Oversight function: Congress has the power to oversee the implementation of laws by the executive branch, helping to ensure accountability and prevent abuses.
Impeachment Power: The House has the sole power to impeach the President, Vice President, members of the Supreme Court, and other officials, while the Senate has the sole power to try all impeachments.

Key Principles and Provisions:

Separation of Powers: Congress is one of the three branches of government, separated from the executive and judicial branches, ensuring checks and balances.
Judicial Review: The Supreme Court can declare laws passed by Congress unconstitutional.
Prohibition on Holding Multiple Offices: Members of Congress are prohibited from holding multiple government offices or employment, preventing conflicts of interests.
Special Elections: When a Senate seat becomes vacant, a special election is held to fill the position.
Democracy and Representation: The structure and operation of Congress aim to represent diverse voices and allow public participation in lawmaking.
Accountability and Democratic Values: The legislative process, including the oversight function and the role of the national budget, promotes accountability and reflects democratic values.

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Description

This quiz explores Article VI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which delineates the structure and powers of the Legislative Department. It covers the composition of Congress, including the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the electoral qualifications for members. Test your understanding of the legislative framework established in this important document.