Philippine Government Structure and Preamble Quiz

Preamble of the 1987 Constitution

• Sovereignty resides within the Filipino people, who seek to establish a just and humane society.
• Aims to embody ideals, promote common good, conserve patrimony, and secure blessings of independence and democracy.
• Commitment to rule of law, truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace.

Structure of the Government

• The Philippines is a democratic and republican state with a presidential form of government.
• Government authority emanates from the people's sovereignty.

Three Branches of Government

• The power is divided among three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.
• Emphasizes the principle of separation of powers to maintain checks and balances.

Legislative Branch

• Responsible for lawmaking, composed of Congress and various government agencies.
• Congress consists of two houses:
  • House of Representatives: Lower house, members are elected for a three-year term, entitled to impeach certain officials.
  • Senate: Upper house, consisting of 24 senators.

Executive Branch

• Headed by the President, who serves as both head of state and government.
• The President is elected for a six-year term and is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
• Has the authority to appoint and dismiss cabinet members.
• The Vice President is first in line for succession.

Judicial Branch

• Judicial power is held by the Supreme Court and lower courts.
• Tasked with settling actual controversies involving legally enforceable rights.
• The judiciary operates with fiscal autonomy, ensuring its funding is not reduced below previous appropriations.

Cabinet and Officials

• Various departments have specific secretaries overseeing them, each appointed to manage distinct areas of public service.
• Key cabinet positions include:
  • Department of Agrarian Reform: Overseen by Secretary John Castriciones.
  • Department of Agriculture: Led by Secretary Emmanuel Piñol.
  • Department of Education: Managed by Secretary Leonor Briones.
  • Department of Health: Headed by Secretary Francisco Duque III.
  • Department of Justice: Overseen by Secretary Menardo Guevarra.
• Other notable departments include Finance, Tourism, Science and Technology, and Transportation, each with appointed secretaries responsible for their respective functions.

Useful Recap

• Article II, Section 1 emphasizes the sovereignty of the people.
• Three branches of the Philippine government are executive, legislative, and judicial.
• Legislative branch handles lawmaking; the executive administers laws; the judiciary interprets laws.
• The Preamble articulates the foundational goals and aspirations underlying the Constitution.

Test your knowledge about the Preamble and structure of the Philippine government. This quiz covers the principles of sovereignty, the three branches of government, and the legislative process. Understand the foundational ideals that guide democracy in the Philippines.