PS 102 - Philippine Politics and Governance Introduction

Learning Objectives

• Define and differentiate politics, governance, and democracy.
• Explain fundamental principles of democracy and its various forms.
• Identify and analyze key indicators of good governance and their impact on political stability.

Definition of Politics

• Harold Lasswell: Politics is the struggle over "who gets what, when, and how."
• Politics is central to political science, reflecting daily discussions among individuals about policy and governance.
• Ayson: Political science studies the state and its elements, including human behavior in political contexts.
• David Easton: Politics is the "authoritative allocation of values," focusing on decision-making regarding societal values.
• Aristotle: Humans are inherently social beings (political animals) who thrive in organized communities, where laws and collaboration promote virtue.

Aspects of Politics

• Power and Authority: Power is the ability to influence behavior; authority is the legitimate right to wield power. Power can be acquired through elections, inheritance, or force.
• Political Systems: Political power is organized in various frameworks such as democracy, autocracy, and oligarchy, influencing governance and decision-making mechanisms.
• Political Behavior: Includes citizen actions such as voting and lobbying. It shapes public opinion and highlights the role of interest groups and media in politics.

Definition of Governance

• Governance encompasses decision-making processes, either through direct or representative democracy, ensuring accountability through the separation of powers.

Indicators of Good Governance

• Accountability: Government officials must be answerable for their actions, with mechanisms like audits and legal recourse for citizens.
• Transparency: Governance processes must be open and accessible, helping to build trust with the public.
• Rule of Law: All individuals and institutions must adhere to the law, ensuring fairness and protection of rights.
• Responsiveness: Institutions should effectively address public needs and adapt to emerging challenges.
• Equity and Inclusiveness: Governance must ensure participation opportunities for all, particularly vulnerable groups, promoting fair distribution of resources.
• Effectiveness and Efficiency: Governance systems should achieve goals and deliver services using resources optimally.
• Participation: Active citizen involvement in decision-making is vital for inclusive governance.
• Consensus-Oriented: Governance should mediate interests to achieve broad agreements for community welfare.

Relationship between Politics and Governance

• Politics involves decision-making affecting a group; governance is how those decisions are implemented.
• Political processes like elections influence policy priorities that governance structures must follow.
• Governance quality impacts political landscapes, shaping voter opinions and electoral outcomes.
• Power dynamics and ideologies play crucial roles in shaping governance practices.