PSC 102: Introduction to the Philippine Constitution

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Questions and Answers

What is the main scope of this module?

To provide an introductory understanding of the Philippine Constitution

How many lessons are included in this module?

Three

What is the primary focus of Lesson 1?

The meaning and classification of a Constitution

What is one of the learning outcomes of this module?

To explain what a Constitution is and classify the kinds of constitutions Signup and view all the answers

What is discussed in Lesson 2?

The history and sources of the Philippine Constitution Signup and view all the answers

What can be accessed at http://www.gov.ph/constitutions/the-1987-constitution-of-the-republic-of-the-philippines/?

A copy of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Thought Supplement?

To historically approach the framing of the Philippine Constitution Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a learning outcome of this module?

To analyze the impact of the Constitution on economy Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the characteristics of a good constitution?

It must be well-written and precise Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of a written constitution?

It is the result of careful thought Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the lesson outcomes of Lesson 3?

To differentiate the characteristics of the New Philippine Constitution Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a good constitution that ensures its effectiveness?

It must be comprehensive, covering the whole field of government Signup and view all the answers

Who is one of the individuals mentioned in the content?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Constitutional Convention?

To draft a new Constitution Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of a written constitution?

It is put into writing in a definite and distinct form Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the demerits of the present Constitution?

The demerits are not specified in the content Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of Module I, Lesson 3?

The characteristics and basic principles of the Philippine Constitution Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a written constitution?

The Philippine Constitution Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of an unwritten constitution?

Customs, traditions, and usages Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of a flexible constitution?

It can be amended or changed with ease through legislation or judicial interpretation Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of the British Constitution?

Unwritten and flexible Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a constitution?

To provide a framework for the government and its institutions Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of a rigid constitution?

It requires a more formal procedure for its amendment Signup and view all the answers

What is the status of the Philippine Constitution in terms of its amendability?

Rigid and requires a formal procedure for its amendment Signup and view all the answers

What was the 1935 Philippine Constitution largely patterned after?

The American Constitution Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the need for a new constitution in the 1970s?

The public outcry for reforms and need for change in government structure Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the 1971 Constitutional Convention?

A new constitution was approved by the delegates Signup and view all the answers

When did the Constitutional Convention hold its inaugural session?

June 1, 1971 Signup and view all the answers

What was the vote count when the Convention approved the new Constitution?

273 to 15, with one abstention Signup and view all the answers

What was the state of the country in the late 1960s and early 1970s?

The country was in a state of turmoil and unrest Signup and view all the answers

What was the criticism of the 1935 Philippine Constitution?

It was highly centralized and outmoded Signup and view all the answers

When did the signing of the new charter begin?

November 30, 1972 Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a constitution to be considered enforced and in effect?

Approval by the majority of voters in a plebiscite Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Constitution in relation to statutes?

Statutes are subordinate to the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

Why is a city ordinance prohibiting rallies in the plaza unconstitutional?

It contradicts the freedom of assembly and expression Signup and view all the answers

What is the general nature of a constitution?

General and principled Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between a constitution and a statute?

A constitution is a framework, while a statute is an implementing act Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a statute that implements the Constitution?

The Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992 Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between a constitution and a statute?

A constitution deals with various subjects, while a statute deals with a single subject Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a statute to be implemented?

Approval by Congress and the President Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Module I: The Philippine Constitution: An Introduction

This module consists of three lessons: Meaning of Constitution, Classification, Concept, and Purpose; The Philippine Constitution: Its History and Sources; and The Philippine Constitution: Characteristics and Basic Principles.

Overview of the Module

This module is an introductory module that reviews the basics of the Philippine Constitution, discussing its nature, purposes, and classifications.

Learning Outcomes of the Module

Explain what a Constitution is and classify the kinds of constitutions
Give the importance of a Constitution individually to a citizen and collectively to the nation
Discuss the merits and demerits of the present Constitution, in form and substance
Trace the development of the Philippine Constitution

Characteristics of a Written and Unwritten Constitution

A written constitution is essentially reduced to writing in definite and distinct form as the deliberate act of a duly constituted authority and ratified by the people or an elective local body
Examples of written constitutions include the Philippine Constitution
An unwritten constitution is so-called because it is chiefly the product of political evolution, consisting basically of customs, traditions, and usages, and partly of judicial decisions and scattered provisions of legislative enactments
Example of an unwritten constitution is the British Constitution

Nature and Purpose of a Constitution

Constitutions are generally in the form of rules and precepts, expressed in general principles and designed for an indefinite period of time, but with provision for their amendment as the need for them may arise
A constitution has the character of a basic law to which all other laws of the land as well as actions and decisions of government must conform, otherwise they may be declared of no validity and effect
A constitution requires approval by the majority of the voters in a plebiscite before it can be considered enforced and in effect

Distinction from Statute

A constitution is a basic law to which every statute must conform
A statute is an implementing act, whereas a constitution is a framework of law and government
A constitution deals with various subjects, while a statute generally dwells on a single subject

The Philippine Constitution: Its History and Sources

The 1935 Philippine Constitution was largely patterned after the American constitution and did not contain original ideas reflective of Philippine realities
The 1971 Constitutional Convention was held in response to the people's clamor for reforms
The 1973 Constitution was approved by a vote of 273 to 15, with one abstention

Requisites of a Good Constitution

A good constitution should be well-written and precise, without ambiguities or obscurities
A constitution should be sufficiently comprehensive, covering the whole field of government

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