Political Science Overview

Political Science

• Branch of social sciences dealing with political forms, kinds, branches, functions, and structures.
• Covers constitutional rights and privileges of individuals.
• Originates from Greek words "polis" (city-state) and "scire" (to know/study).

Areas of Political Science

• International Law: Body of laws governing relations between nations.
• Public Law: Addresses the relationship between government and its citizens.
• Private Law: Deals with relationships among individuals within a state.
• Politics: Study of activities, behaviors, ideologies, policies shaping a state.
• Public Administration: Branch of law concerning government organization and effective operation.

Two Types of Government

• De Jure Governance: Legally established government, in accordance with law.
• De Facto Governance: Government in power without legal authority.

Three Branches of Government

• Legislative Department: Congress (Senate and House of Representatives), responsible for lawmaking.
• Executive Department: Headed by the President, responsible for executing laws.
• Judicial Department: Supreme Court and lower courts, responsible for interpreting laws.

Essential Powers of Government

• Police Power: Government's ability to restrict personal and property rights for public safety and welfare.
• Power of Eminent Domain: Government's right to acquire private land for public use with just compensation.
• Taxation Power: Authority of government to compel individuals to contribute financially for public services.

Elements of the State

• Territory: Defined geographic area where the state's people reside.
• Government: Legitimate authority controlling the state and its resources.
• People: Citizens populating the state's territory.
• Sovereignty: The state's supreme authority within its territory, free from external control.

Democracy

• A form of government where power rests with the people.
• Direct Democracy: Citizens directly participate in decision-making.
• Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
• Presidential Democracy: The Philippines, the president and legislature are elected separately.

Factors Affecting Democracy

• Discrimination: Prevents fair and just treatment of all citizens.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

• Implications: Technologies like communication devices, and digital tools are widely used to convey information efficiently.
• Scopes and Dimensions: Tangible objects, scientific knowledge, procedures and protocols, motivated will to use.

Advantages and Benefits of Technology

• Advance Learning: Enhances learning experiences through interactive websites and online resources.
• Collaboration: Facilitates teamwork and interactions among people in various settings.
• Convenience: Simplifies daily tasks, including shopping and communication.

Disadvantages and Difficulties of Technology

• Dependency: Reliance on technology can negatively affect personal activities.
• Addiction: Overuse of technology can result in unhealthy obsessions.
• Cyberbullying: The potential for threats and harm in the digital environment.
• Isolation: Excessive use can lessen social interactions and human connection.
• Employment Issues: Technological advancements can lead to job displacement.
• Health Concerns: Too much screen time can negatively affect physical and mental health.

Social Media

• Historical Development: Evolution of social networking from Usenet and BBS to more modern platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
• Advantages: Facilitating communication, knowledge sharing and interactions among users.
• Disadvantages: Potential for social isolation and misuse of information, like cyberbullying.