Philippine Legislative Branch Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a bill of attainder?

A type of bill that requires a trial before punishment.

An act of a legislature declaring a person guilty without a trial. (correct)

A proposal to amend existing laws regarding legislative procedures.

A legislative measure that provides benefits to specific groups.

In which stage do bills first get introduced in both the House of Representatives and the Senate?

Committee stage

2nd Reading

3rd Reading

1st Reading (correct)

What happens after a bill goes through the 3rd Reading in both the House and Senate?

The bill must go through an additional debate before voting.

The bill is sent to the President for approval or veto. (correct)

The bill becomes law automatically.

The bill is discarded if not approved.

What is the role of the Bicameral Committee in the legislative process?

To resolve differences between House and Senate versions of a bill. Signup and view all the answers

If the President vetoes a bill, what is the subsequent action taken in the legislative process?

Congress may try to override the veto within a 30-day period. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum age requirement for a member of the House of Representatives on election day?

25 years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following privileges is granted to members of Congress while in session?

Privilege from arrest for offenses punishable by not more than six years imprisonment Signup and view all the answers

How long is the term for a member of the House of Representatives?

Three years Signup and view all the answers

Which power is not granted to Congress?

Grant titles of nobility Signup and view all the answers

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

Three terms Signup and view all the answers

What must a person be able to do to qualify as a member of the House of Representatives?

Be a registered voter in the district they represent Signup and view all the answers

Which legislative action requires the concurrence of a majority of Congress members?

Passing tax exemptions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a power of Congress?

Ratify international treaties Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the legislative branch?

Making, amending, and repealing laws Signup and view all the answers

How many senators are elected in the Philippine Congress?

24 Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of consecutive terms a senator can serve in the Philippines?

2 terms Signup and view all the answers

What is required for an individual to be eligible as a senator in the Philippines?

Must be a natural-born citizen and a registered voter Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum age requirement for a representative in the House of Representatives in the Philippines?

25 years old Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Senate President in the Philippine Congress?

Elected by majority vote to lead the Senate Signup and view all the answers

In the case of a vacancy in the Senate, how is it filled?

Through a regular or special election Signup and view all the answers

What makes the Philippine Congress bicameral?

It consists of two chambers: Senate and House of Representatives Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Article IV: Legislative

The legislative branch, derived from the Latin word "lex, legis" meaning law, is responsible for creating and amending laws. Their duties include lawmaking, considering proposed laws, and repealing existing ones.

The Philippine Congress

The Philippine Congress is the legislative branch of the Philippine government.
It is bicameral, meaning it has two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Senators and Representatives

Members of the upper house (Senate) are called Senators.
Members of the lower house (House of Representatives) are called Representatives.
Collectively, members of both houses are referred to as Congressmen.

Definition of Legislative Power

Legislative power is the authority to create laws and alter or repeal them.

Senate Composition and Qualifications

The Senate consists of 24 senators.
Senators must be natural-born citizens of the Philippines.
They must be at least 35 years old on the day of election.
They must be able to read and write.
They must be registered voters.
They must have resided in the Philippines for at least two years prior to the election.

Senate Term of Office

Senators serve 6-year terms, starting June 30th following the election.
The maximum number of terms a Senator can serve is two consecutive terms.
Voluntary resignation does not interrupt their term; the resignation is considered part of their service.

Senate Vacancies

Senate vacancies are filled by regular election or a special election.
The elected senator will only serve the unexpired term of the predecessor.

Senate Structure and Dynamics

The Senate President and House Speaker are chosen by a majority vote.
Other officers, procedures, and disciplinary actions are determined by each house.
Each house maintains a journal documenting proceedings.
The houses cannot adjourn without the other's consent.

House of Representatives Composition and Qualifications

The House of Representatives has a maximum of 250 members, excluding party-list representatives and other members as specified by law.
Representatives must be natural-born citizens of the Philippines.
They must be at least 25 years old on the election day.
They must be able to read and write.
They must be a registered voter within the district representing.
They must have resided in the district they represent for at least one year prior to the election.

House of Representatives Term of Office

Members of the House serve 3-year terms, starting June 30th following the election.
Voluntary resignation does not interrupt the term; the resignation is considered part of their complete service.
The maximum number of consecutive terms is 3.

Congressional Privileges

Congressmen's rights include privilege from arrest and freedom of speech and debate during a congressional session.
Immunity from arrest for offenses punishable by less than six years in prison.
Freedom from libel and slander for statements made during debate.

Powers of Congress

Enact laws and control the government budget (by approving it).
Undertake projects using CDF (Congress Development Fund) funds.
Act on presidential vetoes concerning proposed legislation.
Allow for referendums and constitutional conventions.
Declare war.
Ratify international treaties (Senate).
Appoint public officials in some cases.
Conduct legislative inquiries.
Authorize certain emergency powers for the President.

Legislative Limitations

Congress cannot increase appropriations (budgets) unless recommended by the executive branch.
Congress cannot pass tax exemptions without a majority agreement.
Congress cannot grant noble titles.
Congress cannot pass ex post facto laws (laws that retroactively change the law).
Congress cannot pass bill of attainder (laws that declare people guilty without a trial).

How a Bill Becomes Law

Bill's journey generally goes through the House of Representatives first and then the Senate before finally going to the President to be signed or vetoed.
Each house has 1st, 2nd, and 3rd readings of legislation.
Bills pass through a committee system during the review process.
The President can approve bills or veto them. A veto can be overrode by both houses.

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Description

This quiz covers the legislative branch of the Philippine government, specifically focusing on its structure, functions, and key components. Learn about the roles of the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as the powers and qualifications of their members. Test your knowledge on the intricacies of Philippine lawmaking.