Philippine Government History: Pre-Spanish to Spanish

Questions and Answers

What was the term used for the chief in a barangay during Pre-Spanish government?

Capitan

Datu (correct)

Alcalde-mayor

Gobernadorcillo

Which of the following titles was used for the head of provinces during the Spanish colonial government?

Alcalde-mayor (correct)

Datu

Visitador General

Cabeza de barangay

What was the primary characteristic of the government system employed by the Spaniards in the Philippines?

Confederation

Federal structure

Unitary system (correct)

Decentralized governance

Who exercised the highest power in the Philippine Islands during the Spanish colonial period?

Governor-General Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Visitador General in the Spanish colonial government?

Observer of colony conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which entity served as an advisory body to the Governor-General during the Spanish colonial period?

Royal Audiencia Signup and view all the answers

What was the term for the consolidation of barangays into municipalities during Spanish rule?

Pueblo Signup and view all the answers

Which group had significant administrative powers during the Spanish colonial government?

Frailocracy Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Jones Law of 1916?

To promise assistance in attaining independence Signup and view all the answers

Who was the chairman of the Philippine Executive Commission during the Japanese Occupation?

Jorge B. Vargas Signup and view all the answers

Which document provided for a 10-year transition period for the Philippines towards independence?

Tydings-McDuffie Law Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant feature of the governance system under the Japanese-sponsored Second Republic?

Highly centralized governance Signup and view all the answers

What was the focus of the Local Autonomy Act of 1959?

To give broader powers to local governments Signup and view all the answers

When was the Fourth Republic officially proclaimed under the 1973 Constitution?

September 21, 1972 Signup and view all the answers

What did Article VII, Section 10 of the 1935 Constitution specify about local governments?

The President shall exercise general supervision over local governments Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary aim of the Decentralization Act of 1967?

To provide fiscal powers and broader financial resources to local governments Signup and view all the answers

What role did encomenderos play during the early Spanish period in the Philippines?

They were awarded land for helping with the pacification of the islands. Signup and view all the answers

Which council was responsible for the judicial power in the Katipunan government?

Sangguniang Hukuman Signup and view all the answers

What significant impact did the American Military Government have on local governance terminology?

Cabildos became cities. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key feature of the First Philippine Republic's approach to governance?

Emphasis was placed on maintaining centralism for island unity. Signup and view all the answers

Which commission investigated Philippine conditions during the American period?

The Taft Commission Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary function of the Philippine Bill of 1902?

It allowed for the appointment of Filipino non-voting commissioners to the US Congress. Signup and view all the answers

In what year did American military rule begin in the Philippines?

1898 Signup and view all the answers

What title was given to those who owned vast lands during the mid to late Spanish period?

Hacienderos Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the L-36142 case regarding Proclamation No. 1102?

The case was dismissed for being moot and academic. Signup and view all the answers

What significant power did Letter of Instruction (LOI) 356 grant to President Marcos in 1975?

Power to appoint local officials based on performance audits. Signup and view all the answers

How did the 1987 Constitution impact the national government's relationship with local government units?

It ensured greater autonomy for local governments. Signup and view all the answers

What does Article II, Section 5 of the 1987 Constitution state about local governments?

The State shall ensure the autonomy of local governments. Signup and view all the answers

What was a direct consequence of the martial law during Marcos' regime on local governance?

Enhanced presidential control over local officials. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable feature of the Local Government Code of 1991 as stated in Article X, Section 3?

It provides for an accountable local government system. Signup and view all the answers

During President Marcos' presidency, what administrative adjustment was referred to as 'regionalization'?

A method for local units to receive services from extension personnel. Signup and view all the answers

What did Article XI of the 1973 Constitution focus on regarding governance?

Local government systems. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pre-Spanish Government

Barangay: A term derived from the Malayan word for "boat", each barangay was led by a chief termed datu, rajah, sultan, or apo, depending on the region.
The datu wielded executive, legislative, and judicial powers.

Spanish Government (1521 – 1898)

Colonial Structure: A unitary system with centralized power in the Philippines; barangays were transformed into barrios.
Governance Titles: Datus who collaborated with Spaniards became cabeza de barangay; municipalities were overseen by gobernadorcillos (mayors) and provinces by alcalde-mayor.
Central Authority: The Governor-General held supreme power, serving in various roles, including military commander and vice-royal patron.
Administrative Officials: The Visitador General reported to the King, while the Royal Audiencia audited colonial activities and handled grievances against the Governor-General.
Frailocracy: Spanish friars took on administrative positions, melding religious authority with governance.
Economic Systems: Encomiendas (land grants to helpers) and haciendas (large landholdings) structured the agrarian economy.

Philippine Revolution & First Philippine Republic

Katipunan Government: Founded by Andres Bonifacio, it created a Supreme Council and local councils to exercise governmental functions.
First Philippine Republic: Established under the Malolos Constitution, emphasizing centralism for island unity.

American Period

Military Government: Began after the Spanish-American War; maintained a centralized governance similar to the Spanish system.
Transition to Civil Government: Schurman and Taft Commissions urged U.S. sovereignty; the Philippine Bill of 1902 initiated a legislative body.
Jones Law of 1916: Promised independence assistance.
Commonwealth Government: Tydings-McDuffie Law initiated a transitional governance structure for independence over ten years.

Japanese Occupation & the Second Republic

Philippine Executive Commission: Established during Japanese control, led by Jorge B. Vargas; governance remained centralized.

Third Republic (1935 Constitution)

Established Independence: Formally inaugurated on July 4, 1946, yet retained centralism with emphasis on local government supervision by the President.
Legislative Contributions:
- Barrio Charter of 1959 legitimized barrios.
- Local Autonomy Act of 1959 expanded local government powers.
- Decentralization Act of 1967 improved financial resources for local governments.

Fourth Republic (1973 Constitution)

Parliamentary System: Instituted by Ferdinand Marcos; significant power centralized under the presidency.
Judiciary and Governance Changes: The Supreme Court's ruling in Javellana v. Executive Secretary validated the 1973 Constitution.
Martial Law Implications: Enhanced presidential control over local governments, enabling direct appointments based on performance.
Regionalization: Implemented administrative regionalization to streamline local government services.

Fifth Republic (1987 Constitution)

Local Autonomy: The national government became more responsive to local governments, ensuring local autonomy under Article II, Section 5 of the 1987 Constitution.
Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160): Established mechanisms for effective local governance and decentralized authority, reinforcing accountability in local government systems.

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Description

Explore the evolution of governance in the Philippines from the pre-Spanish barangay system to the centralized Spanish colonial government. Learn about the roles of local leaders and administrative structures that shaped the nation's political landscape during this period. This quiz covers essential terms and concepts that define Philippine history from 1521 to 1898.