Political Science Concepts and Local Politics

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Questions and Answers

What does the 'guns, goons, gold' narrative indicate about local politics?

It signifies a transition to participatory governance.

It reflects a focus on economic development.

It highlights the power of grassroots movements.

It implies a lack of agency among citizens. (correct)

Which phenomenon began to emerge in the Philippines during the 1980s?

Increased political dynasties.

A rise in religious extremism.

Reinvigoration of colonial practices.

A gentle revolution in governance. (correct)

What role did the Sultan of Sulu have during American colonization?

He became a prominent political figure.

He became a military leader.

He was granted full political power.

He was relegated to a religious role. (correct)

What issue did the Muslim Independence Movement and MNLF highlight in the Philippines?

Rifts between Muslims and Christian Filipinos. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the condition of local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines?

They are concerned with attracting investment. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'bossism' refer to in the context of Philippine local politics?

The persistence of political dynasties. Signup and view all the answers

What major change is noted in the Philippine political landscape regarding elections?

A shift towards a multi-party system. Signup and view all the answers

How has the economic and population growth affected local governance in the Philippines?

It expanded local governance capabilities. Signup and view all the answers

What does a strong state possess according to the content?

Monopoly over the legitimate use of force Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is highlighted as indicative of a weak state?

Continued terrorism Signup and view all the answers

What does governance encompass beyond government?

Coordination of social life Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant problem mentioned during the democratization process?

Restoration of elite power Signup and view all the answers

Which relationship is described by the term patron-clientelism?

Hierarchical and reciprocal relationship Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence faced by Estrada due to his acceptance of illegal payoffs?

He was sentenced to reclusion perpetua. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of Rivera's recommendations for improving governance?

Reform bureaucracy and institutions Signup and view all the answers

How did Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's father, Diosdado Macapagal, affect her political image?

His image as a poor man from Lubao endeared her to the masses. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a notable issue faced by the Cory administration during the democratization process?

Decentralized politics Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the Philippine state is captured, rather than embedded, in various interests?

Economic power Signup and view all the answers

What role does the president have in ensuring laws are executed?

The president controls all executive departments, bureaus, and offices. Signup and view all the answers

What is a responsibility of the president regarding local governments and regions?

To provide for regional development councils for decentralization. Signup and view all the answers

What do growth coalitions aim for according to the content?

Unified objectives regarding growth Signup and view all the answers

What can the president do according to the prerogative mentioned?

Nominate and appoint with consent of the commission. Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as an inefficient use of state power?

Using the state as an instrument for financial gain Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of national government politicians engaging in pork barrel spending?

To support local voting districts for re-election Signup and view all the answers

What does judicial independence imply in the context of government?

Judges operate free from political influence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes judicial review?

The power to invalidate laws from other branches Signup and view all the answers

What term describes a willingness by judges to extend their role beyond strict legal interpretations?

Judicial activism Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of pork barrel spending in political contexts?

Misuse of public funds for personal gain Signup and view all the answers

Which of these represents a modern manifestation of pork barrel spending?

Local Infrastructure Programs (LIP) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of judicial review, what is one advantage the judiciary possesses?

Capability to prevent executive overreach Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of mesoparticularistic goods refer to?

Localized benefits such as roads and bridges Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily influenced by the disbursement of 'pork' in the political context?

The reelection chances of politicians Signup and view all the answers

Which method was most commonly used for conflict resolution during pre-colonial times?

Conciliation Signup and view all the answers

How did colonial powers alter the judicial system in the Philippines?

By establishing a hierarchical and centralized judiciary Signup and view all the answers

What defines the judiciary branch as described in the content?

It is separate and co-equal to the other branches of government Signup and view all the answers

What was a characteristic of the judiciary from 1946 to 1972?

A hands-off policy regarding legislative actions Signup and view all the answers

Why did politicians often skim off resources from their pork?

To enhance their personal wealth and interests Signup and view all the answers

What role did the datu play in conflict resolution during pre-colonial times?

Acted as both judge and witness in civil and criminal cases Signup and view all the answers

What has been one of the motivating factors for presidents to disburse pork?

To secure support from Congress for various goals Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Basic Concepts

Power is the ability to influence the behaviour of others through rewards and punishments
Politics is the activity through which people make, preserve, and amend the general rules under which they live
Government is a mechanism that maintains ordered rule
Governance is how social life is coordinated
A strong state has a monopoly over the legitimate use of force

Analyzing Local Politics

Patron-clientelism is a reciprocal, hierarchical relationship between patrons and clients
The Philippines has a long history of decentralized competitive politics and the narrative of local politics is influenced by the concept of “guns, goons, and gold”
Local politics in the 21st century is characterized by “bossism” and political dynasties but also shows signs of a “gentle revolution” with a shift to meritocratic practices
The rise of mass media and digitalization of elections is also contributing to the changing landscape of local politics

Nation-Building, Cultures, Identity

The Philippines is a multicultural country with great linguistic and cultural diversity
There is a rift between Muslims and Christian Filipinos
Muslim leaders were alienated during American colonization
The Philippine government had historically offered no special treatment towards Muslims

Democratization Process

The democratization process in the Philippines was followed by the restoration of the elite
The major issues facing the Cory administration included foreign debt, agrarian reform, crony properties, and human rights

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s political career began when Cory appointed her to Undersecretary
Her lineage can be traced back to the royal house of Lakandula, the last king of Tondo
Her father, Diosdado Macapagal’s political image, was that of “the poor man from Lubao, Pampanga”

Fiscal Policy

The President has a 60-day restriction period for suspending the writ of habeas corpus

Pork Transmogrified

Pork barrel scandals are related to the misuse of public funds
The practice of pork dates back over a century
Pork is used to gain voters’ support and secure re-election
The modern manifestation of pork barrel is the Local Infrastructure Programs (LIP)

Judiciary Branch

The Judiciary Branch is empowered to decide legal disputes and interpret the law but does not implement it
It's a co-equal and separate branch of government.
The judiciary is still a political actor through its role in conflict resolution and maintaining state authority
The judiciary can review and invalidate laws, decrees, and actions of other branches of government.

Principles

The principle of Judicial Independence states the strict separation of powers between the judiciary and other branches of government.
The Judiciary Branch has the power of Judicial Review.
Judicial Activism is the willingness of judges to go beyond legal decisions to influence public policy.

Pre-Colonial => Pre-ML

Conflict resolution under the pre-colonial system relied on the datu, who had judicial authority
Methods included conciliation, mediation, arbitration, and adjudication, with conciliation being the most common
The early judicial system was participatory

1946-1972

The court was restrained in exercising judicial review and maintained a hands-off policy towards the legislative branch
The Supreme Court was not divided along ideological lines due to the country’s pragmatic political landscape
The court’s tendency to restrict itself from asserting itself against other branches of government was due to the combination of various factors

President’s Direct Constitutional Mandates

The President is the sole executive and controls all executive departments, bureaus, and offices
They are required to ensure all laws are faithfully executed and exercise general supervision over local governments and autonomous regions
The President is directed to provide for regional development and acceleration of socioeconomic development

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Description

This quiz covers basic concepts in political science, including power, politics, governance, and government. It also delves into the dynamics of local politics in the Philippines and the influences of patron-clientelism, digitalization, and political dynasties. Test your knowledge on these crucial political themes and their contemporary relevance.