Philippine Constitution Overview Quiz

National Territory

• Defines the Philippines as an independent nation with complete jurisdiction over its territory, including airspace, territorial seas, and islands.

Declaration of Principles and State Policies

• Retains principles from the 1935 Constitution, emphasizing Filipino values like peace, equality, justice, and freedom.
• Includes new provisions like:
  • Duties of the Filipino youth.
  • Establishment and maintenance of social services.
  • Civilian authority, provisions, and benefits.
  • Autonomy of local government units.

Citizens

• Renames "Citizenship" to "Citizens."
• Enhances provisions for Filipina citizens who marry foreign nationals.
• Defines the criteria for natural-born citizens.

Bill of Rights

• Incorporates two new civil rights from the previous constitution.
• Provides specific clarifications of existing rights, such as the right to information and the right to a speedy trial.

Duties and Obligations of Citizens

• Outlines the responsibilities of citizens towards their country and fellow citizens.

Suffrage

• Describes the right to vote.

The President and Vice-President

• Outlines the distinct duties, responsibilities, and qualifications for the President and Vice-President.
• Specifies that the Head Speaker of the National Assembly assumes the acting presidency in case of a presidential crisis or absence.

National Assembly

• Renames the "Legislative Department" to "National Assembly."
• Preserves the same responsibilities.

The Prime Minister and the Cabinet

• Renames the "Executive Department" to "The Prime Minister and the Cabinet."
• Preserves the same responsibilities.
• States that the President acts as the Prime Minister.

The Judiciary

• Renames the "Judicial Department" to "The Judiciary."
• Preserves the same responsibilities.

Local Government

• Defines the powers and duties of local government unit leaders.
• Divides the country into:
  • Provinces
  • Cities
  • Municipalities
  • Barrios.

The Constitutional Commissions

• Merges three articles into one, encompassing:
  • Commission on Elections: Organizes and conducts elections.
  • Civil Service Commission: Determines eligibility for government positions.
  • Commission on Audit: Provides financial reports and accountancy for all government agencies.

Accountability of Public Officers

• Details the impeachment process, covering candidates, conditions, and court proceedings.
• Establishes the Office of the Ombudsman.

The National Economy and the Patrimony of the Nation

• Creates the National Economic and Development Authority, led by the Prime Minister.
• Addresses private monopolies, outlining opportunities, guidelines, and limitations for Filipino entrepreneurs.
• Defines government powers during economic emergencies.
• Stipulates that natural resources are to be utilized solely by Filipinos, including agrarian reforms.

General Provisions

• Addresses various provisions not covered in previous articles:
  • The National Flag: Adoption of national symbols, including a new country name.
  • Promulgation of the Constitution in both English and Filipino.
  • Oath of National Security to uphold the Constitution.
  • Development and promotion of the national language, science, arts, and letters.
  • Salary and Tax.
  • Education and the Study of the Constitution.
  • Development and implementation of technical and vocational education.
  • Separation of church and state.

Filing Cases Against the State

• Describes the process.

Amendments

• Details the amendment process.

Transitory Provisions

• Covers the transition from the Commonwealth to the ratification of the new constitution, including:
  • Provisions for the Interim National Assembly, which is temporary until the election of the National Assembly members.
  • Details the processes during and after Martial Law.

This quiz explores key concepts from the Philippine Constitution, covering national territory, declaration of principles, citizenship, and the Bill of Rights. Test your knowledge on the responsibilities and rights of citizens as well as significant constitutional changes.