Political Science: Interests and Interactions

Struggles of Interests in Individuals and Groups

• Individuals and groups often face challenges in promoting their interests, which can lead to cooperation or conflict.
• Political science studies the relationship between the state and its people, while politics pertains to daily life and individual activities.
• Fewer individuals participate in political science compared to the broader population engaged in politics; political science analysis can be intricate, while political opinions tend to be more direct and fixed.
• Political science enhances political participation by educating citizens on constitutional rights, recognizing abuses, and improving political engagement quality.

Political Ideologies Overview

Liberalism

• Liberalism serves as a response to feudalism, advocating for individual freedom and a democratic state.
• Core principles include:
  • Individualism: Emphasizes personal autonomy and decision-making.
  • Freedom: Supports the pursuit of individual interests and needs.
  • Reason: Encourages rational thought in the pursuit of aspirations.
  • Advocates for essential services such as healthcare and education.

Socialism

• Socialism focuses on social equality and cooperation among individuals.
• Key components include:
  • Social Equality: Aims for equal circumstances to foster community engagement.
  • Community: Highlights bonds within social groups and individual identity.
  • Cooperation: Encourages collective interest over conflict.
  • Social Class: Seeks to bridge gaps between classes, such as the proletariat and bourgeoisie.
  • Common Ownership: Calls for shared property to reduce competition.

Additional Political Ideologies

Communism

• Advocates for the abolition of private property to achieve a classless society.
• Based on the belief that private property supports capitalism, leading to worker alienation:
  • Workers lack ownership and fulfillment in their labor.
  • Produces a cycle of alienation among workers and from personal identity.

Populism

• Described as an ideology that distinguishes between "pure people" and "elite," emphasizing general will.
• Core concepts of populism include:
  • The ambiguity of "the People" and its essential connection to political mobilization.
  • Critical view of "the Elite," who pursue self-interests contrary to public needs.
  • Advocates for legislation reflecting collective interests, less hindered by elite interests.
  • Strong emphasis on charismatic populist leaders as representatives of the common person.

Feminism

• Pushes for recognition of women's political, economic, and social rights.
• Divided into factions:
  • Liberal Feminism: Asserts equality between genders in rights and opportunities.
  • Socialist Feminism: Looks beyond politics to address root causes of gender inequality.

Philippine Constitution

• Defines citizens' rights and serves as the supreme legal framework.
• Historical evolution includes significant milestones:
  • 1899 Constitution marked the separation of church and state.
  • 1935 Constitution introduced citizenship and sovereignty ties with the U.S.
  • Current constitution, established in 1986, emphasizes democracy and human rights.

Structure of the Philippine Constitution

• Preamble: Outlines foundational principles and national purposes.
• Articles: Comprise diverse subjects, including:
  • Bill of Rights: Enshrines individual freedoms and protections.
  • Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Departments: Defines respective powers and functions.

Philippine Government Branches

• Checks and Balances: Essential for maintaining authority among branches.
  • Legislative can create laws but is subject to executive veto.
  • Executive can veto legislative laws, which congress can override.
  • Judicial can declare laws unconstitutional while judges are appointed by the executive.

Executive Branch Functions

• Head of State: Represents the Philippines internationally.
• Chief Executive: Manages government administration.
• Chief Diplomat: Oversees foreign relations.
• Powers include appointment authority, issuing executive orders, and managing local governments.

These notes cover the complexities of political interaction, ideologies shaping governance, the framework of the Philippine Constitution, and the functions of its government.