Political Systems and Governance

Questions and Answers

What defines an aristocracy in government?

Power held by a small, privileged ruling class (correct)

Rule by a single leader selected by the populace

Governance through direct participation of all citizens

Majority rule through elected representatives

Which of the following best describes representative democracy?

Citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf (correct)

Citizens vote on every issue directly

Government power is inherited through family lineage

Voting occurs only during scheduled referendums

What characterizes an oligarchy?

Direct governance by all qualified citizens

Power held by elected officials representing the majority

Ruling power vested in the monarch's family

Governance exercised by a wealthy group (correct)

Which type of monarchy is based on a predetermined rule of succession?

Hereditary Monarchy Signup and view all the answers

How is power structured in a parliamentary government?

The cabinet is responsible to the legislature Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a presidential government from a parliamentary government?

The president is constitutionally independent of the legislature Signup and view all the answers

Which government system allows citizens to vote on issues individually?

Direct Democracy Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of an elective monarchy?

Monarch is elected through a popular vote Signup and view all the answers

What defines a government in a political system?

A formal body with authority to make decisions Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes the action of governing in various sectors, not limited to government?

Governance Signup and view all the answers

What is a key principle of good governance as emphasized in the lecture?

Public office is public trust Signup and view all the answers

Which body is recognized as the primary actor that leads in governance?

The State Signup and view all the answers

Which component of governance refers to organizations that advocate for specific societal causes?

Civil Society Signup and view all the answers

What authority does the local government derive from according to the content?

The Local Government Code and the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

What role do private corporations play in governance?

They provide financial support for projects Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes governance?

The exercise of power in managing resources Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Leaders of Government

Governance typically rests with the President or Prime Minister.

A Government of the "Few"

Aristocracy: Power held by a small, privileged ruling class. The term originates from Greek "aristokratia", meaning "rule of the best".
Oligarchy: Governance by a small group, often wealthy elites. This system can exploit the poor and marginalized, reflecting despotic tendencies for selfish gains.

A Government of the "Many"

Democracy: A system governed by the people, defined by Abraham Lincoln as "government of the people, by the people, and for the people". Power is vested in the majority.
Direct Democracy: Citizens vote directly on issues; no modern nation operates solely on this model.
Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to create laws and manage governance, seen as the most efficient method to uphold individual rights.

Source of Power

Hereditary Monarchy: Monarchies designate succession based on predetermined rules, established by constitutions or parliamentary acts, or familial lines.
Elective Monarchy: Rulers are elected through popular vote.

Political Structure

Parliamentary Government: The cabinet is accountable to the legislature, particularly the popular chamber, reflecting immediate responsibility to the electorate. The Prime Minister leads and is part of the majority party.
Presidential Government/Republican: This system features a President with constitutional independence from the legislature, unlike parliamentary models. The Philippines operates under a Presidential Government.

Legality or Constitutionality

No specific details provided, but legality and constitutionality are fundamental aspects of governance structures.

Government

A formal organization with the authority to make political decisions within a specific system.
Serves as the primary vehicle for governance, acting as an agency for change and mobilization.

Governance

Broadly defined as the exercise of authoritative direction or control over a political unit or organization.
Encompasses all processes of governance, including those by governments, markets, and networks, over various entities such as families and organizations.
Involves the management of economic and social resources, highlighting how power is exercised.
Good governance emphasizes accountability, based on the principle "Public office is public trust."
The World Bank offers a comprehensive approach to understanding governance.

Domains of Governance

The State
- Acts as the principal actor in governance and leads in government operations.
Local Government
- Comprises provincial, municipal, city, and barangay levels, deriving authority from the 1987 Constitution and the Local Government Code of 1991.
- Responsible for administering localities as defined by law.
Private Corporations and Business Organizations
- Regarded as crucial for governance, they provide financial resources through donations, grants, or loans for community projects.
Civil Society
- Represents organizations advocating for various causes, often considered the "third sector" as they are frequently overlooked or neglected in governance discussions.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the various forms of government, including democracy, oligarchy, and aristocracy. This quiz covers the roles of leaders, sources of power, and the principles that define different political systems. Test your understanding of how governance operates across societies.