Political Science Chapter 1

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Questions and Answers

What is one primary purpose of a constitution?

To outline ethical guidelines for citizens

To create societal norms and customs

To establish economic policies

To prescribe a permanent framework for governance (correct)

Which of the following is not a characteristic of a state?

Economic stability (correct)

People

Sovereignty

Government

Which government structure is characterized by a prime minister who also serves as a member of the legislature?

Presidential Government

Unitary Government

Federal Government

Parliamentary Government (correct)

What principle ensures that no branch of government can overpower another?

Checks and Balances Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to a political system where a single entity holds power over the state?

Monarchy Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of Philippine geography on governance?

Encourages regional governance issues Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes a federal government?

Power is distributed among central and regional authorities Signup and view all the answers

What is not a role of the constitution regarding government structure?

Facilitate economic growth and development Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is punishable under Philippine law?

Counterfeiting Philippine currency or securities Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of the democratic system in the Philippines?

It allows for initiatives and referendums Signup and view all the answers

What kind of war does the Philippine Constitution renounce?

Aggressive war Signup and view all the answers

What principle allows the incorporation of international law into Philippine law?

Doctrine of incorporation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines 'jus sanguinis'?

Citizenship by virtue of blood relation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of acquiring citizenship in the Philippines?

Jus sanguinis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT recognized under principles of international law in the Philippines?

Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the naturalization of a father have on his legitimate minor children in the Philippines?

They acquire citizenship automatically Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Preliminaries

A constitution is the supreme law of a state defining the principles, powers, and duties of the government.
It also describes the fundamental rights of the citizens.
Having a constitution is crucial because it provides a framework for governance, protects individual rights, and serves as a foundation for a stable society.

State

A state is a political entity having the following characteristics:
- People: A group of persons living together as a community.
- Territory: A defined geographical area under the state's control.
- Government: A political organization that governs the state.
- Sovereignty: Supreme and independent political authority.
States can be classified based on different factors:
- Number of Persons Exercising Sovereign Powers:
  - Monarchy: Rule by a single person.
  - Aristocracy: Rule by a small group of people.
  - Democracy: Rule by the people.
- Extent of Powers Exercised by the Central or National Government:
  - Unitary Government: Power centralized in the national government.
  - Federal Government: Power shared between the national and regional governments.
- Relationship between the Executive and the Legislative Branches:
  - Parliamentary Government: The executive branch is directly accountable to the legislature and its members.
  - Presidential Government: The executive branch is elected separately from the legislature and is not accountable to it.

Other Basic Concepts

Separation of Powers: The division of governmental power among different branches, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial.
Principle of Blending of Powers: The sharing of powers among different branches of government to ensure that no single branch becomes too powerful.
Principle of Checks and Balances: System of checks and balances that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution

The Philippines is an archipelago encompassing islands, waters surrounding them, and the airspace above.
The territory includes all natural and artificial features within these areas.
The geographical characteristics of the Philippines present challenges and opportunities for governance.

Preamble

The preamble of the Philippine Constitution outlines the aspirations and principles of the Filipino people.

Article I - The National Territory

The Philippine territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, including its islands, waters, and airspace.
It also covers territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty, such as the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Individuals committing certain crimes, even outside Philippine territory, can be tried in Philippine courts.

Article II - Declaration of Principles and State Policies

It defines the fundamental principles and policies that guide the government.
Section 1: Philippines is a republican state, meaning it is governed by representatives elected by the people.
Section 2: Renounces war as an instrument of national policy, except for self-defense.
Section 3: Emphasizes that the Philippines is a democratic and sovereign state.
Section 10: Recognition of the role of women in nation-building.
Section 12: Promotes the right of citizens to information on matters of public concern.
Section 14: Importance of the family as the foundation of the nation.
Section 15 & 16: Underscore the importance of education.
Section 17: Encourages the development of a national language based on Filipino.
Section 18: Promotes social justice and human rights.
Section 26: Emphasizes the role of the youth in nation-building.
Section 28: Importance of promoting a just and dynamic social order.

Article IV - Citizenship

It defines the basis for acquiring and losing Philippine citizenship.
Jus Sanguinis: Acquisition of citizenship based on one's parents' nationality.
Jus Soli: Acquisition of citizenship based on place of birth.
Naturalization: The legal process of adopting an alien and granting them citizenship.
The Philippines primarily follows the principle of jus sanguinis.

What you can contribute as a citizen:

Promote unity and national identity.
Respect the rule of law and contribute to good governance.
Participate in civic engagement and promote community welfare.
Support the protection and preservation of the environment.
Develop your skills and talents to contribute to national development.
Uphold human rights and social justice.
Be a responsible and informed citizen.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of a constitution and the defining characteristics of a state. It delves into the role of governance and the classification of states based on the exercise of sovereign powers. Test your understanding of these essential political principles.