1943 & 1973 Philippine Constitution Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

Study Notes

The 1943 Constitution

Drafted by the Preparatory Committee for Philippine Independence appointed by the Philippine Executive Commission
Promised independence by Premier Hideki Tojo in 1942
Ratified in 1943 by an assembly of appointed provincial representatives of Kalibapi
Jose P. Laurel was appointed president by the National Assembly and declared a state of war against the US and British Empire
Recognized as a former president by the Macapagal administration

The 1973 Constitution (1973-1986)

Fernando Marcos was inaugurated as president in 1965
The Philippine Congress passed a resolution in 1967 calling for a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con) to change the 1935 constitution
Marcos was re-elected in 1969 amid allegations of overspending and misuse of government funds during the campaign period
Elections for Con-Con delegates were held on November 20, 1970
The Con-Con began on June 1, 1971, with Carlos P. Romulo as convention president
The 1973 Constitution introduced a parliamentary-style government
Legislative power was vested in the unicameral National Assembly, elected for a six-year term
A president was chosen from the National Assembly, with ceremonial duties and unlimited re-election capabilities
Executive power was exercised by the Prime Minister, also elected by the National Assembly
The Prime Minister was head of government and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
The constitution was amended four times
"Citizen Assemblies" ratified the amendments on October 16-17, 1976
The President also became the Prime Minister and continued to exercise legislative powers until martial law was lifted
The Sixth Amendment authorized the President to legislate on an "emergency" basis
Amendments in 1980 and 1981 further modified the parliamentary system into a French-style semi-presidential system
Executive power was restored to the President
Direct election of the president was restored
An Executive Committee was created to assist the President
Electoral reforms were instituted
The 1984 amendment abolished the Executive Committee and restored the position of Vice-President
The 1973 Constitution initially provided a true parliamentary system, but was manipulated by Marcos to consolidate power
The Senate was eventually abolished, and the House of Representatives became known as the Batasang Pambansa
Departments became "Ministries", cabinet secretaries became "cabinet ministers", and the Executive Secretary became the "Prime Minister"

Description

Test your knowledge of the 1943 and 1973 Constitutions of the Philippines, including their drafting, ratification, and key figures involved. Learn about the historical context and significance of these important documents in Philippine history.