Political Law Principles and Philippine Constitution

Branch of public law that deals with the organization and operation of the government, defining the relationship between the state and its inhabitants.

Study of the balance between the State's authority and individual liberty, safeguarding rights through the Bill of Rights.

Branch of public law that governs the organization, competence, and actions of administrative authorities who implement laws.

Document containing the fundamental principles, framework, and powers of a government, establishing its structure and rights of the people.

To establish a permanent framework of government, assigning powers and duties to different branches, and establishing first principles.

Constitution whose principles are contained in a single document or set of documents.

Constitution based on rules found in various sources, including statutes, judicial decisions, customs, and traditions.

Constitution created deliberately through a conscious effort by a constituent body or ruler at a specific time and place.

Constitution that emerges gradually over time through political evolution, without a specific starting point.

Constitution that can be amended only through a formal and usually difficult process.

Constitution that can be changed relatively easily through ordinary legislation.

Constitution that covers all areas of governance, including the organization of the whole government, and applies to all persons and things within its territory.

Constitution that focuses on basic principles, leaving implementation details to legislation, making it more adaptable to change and easier to amend.

Constitution that uses clear language to prevent ambiguity, avoiding confusion and division among the people.

Part of a Constitution outlining fundamental civil and political rights of citizens, including limitations on government powers to protect these rights.

Part of a Constitution outlining the structure and powers of the government, including its organization, administration, and the electorate.

Part of a Constitution specifying the process for amending the fundamental law.

Principle of constitutional interpretation that emphasizes the ordinary meaning of words used in the Constitution.

Principle of constitutional interpretation that considers the intent of the framers.

Principle of constitutional interpretation that emphasizes interpreting the Constitution as a whole.

Constitutional provisions that are directly applicable and enforceable without requiring further legislation.

Constitutional provisions that require legislation to be implemented and enforced.

First republican constitution in Asia, adopted by the Philippine revolutionary government, recognizing sovereignty in the people and providing for a parliamentary government.

Treaty signed between Spain and the United States, ceding the Philippines to the US.

US act establishing the framework for a civil government in the Philippines, introducing a legislative body of Filipino representatives.

US act granting greater autonomy to the Philippines, providing for a bicameral legislature and defining the electorate.

US act granting permission for the creation of a Philippine Commonwealth with a promise of eventual independence after ten years.

Constitution establishing the Philippine Commonwealth, laying the foundation for a democratic republic.

Constitution introduced by President Marcos, initially adopted under martial law, shifting to a parliamentary system, and later amended to return to a presidential system.

Non-violent uprising that toppled the Marcos regime, paving the way for the adoption of a new Constitution.

Provisional Constitution adopted by President Aquino’s revolutionary government, pending the creation of a new Constitution.

Current Constitution of the Philippines, adopted after the EDSA Revolution, emphasizing human rights, social justice, and a democratic system.

A change that adds, reduces, or deletes specific provisions of the Constitution without altering its fundamental principles.

A change that significantly alters the Constitution’s basic principles, such as changing the system of government or the balance of powers.

The power of the courts to examine the validity of government actions in light of their conformity with the Constitution.

A legal dispute between parties with opposing claims, involving legally demandable and enforceable rights.

A case that no longer presents a justiciable controversy due to subsequent events, rendering a decision irrelevant.

The right of a party to appear in court and present a case, based on a personal and substantial interest in the matter.

Test for legal standing requiring a party to demonstrate direct and substantial harm caused by the act complained of.

Lawsuit filed by a taxpayer to challenge government actions that involve the illegal disbursement of public funds.

A legal challenge to a statute’s validity based on its wording and potential application, even if it’s not directly applied to the challenging party.

Legal doctrine allowing a facial challenge to a statute that overly restricts freedom of expression, even if it doesn’t directly affect the challenging party.

Legal doctrine holding that a law is invalid if its language is unclear and leaves individuals guessing about its meaning and application.

Legal doctrine allowing the government to act as a guardian of the rights of its people, especially those disadvantaged or facing hardship.

Legally constituted government recognized as having the right to govern.

Government that actually governs, even without legal recognition.

Government with separate executive and legislative branches, with power vested in a President.

Government where executive power is vested in a Prime Minister, who is accountable to the legislature.

Government with a single, centralized authority controlling all aspects of the state.

Government with shared power between a national government and autonomous state (local) governments.

Supreme and uncontrollable power inherent in a state, governing its internal and external affairs.

Supreme power within a state, governing everything within its territory.

Freedom from external control, also known as independence.