Public Administration 108: Civics and Government

Civics and Citizenship

• Civics is the study of the rights and duties of citizens in a society.
• It encompasses the theoretical, political, and practical aspects of citizenship.

Branches of Civics

• Political Civics: focuses on the study of political systems, institutions, and processes.
• Legal Civics: explores the relationship between citizens and the law, including constitutional rights and legal procedures.
• Social Civics: examines the interaction between citizens and society, covering topics like social justice, human rights, and equality.
• Global Civics: explores the rights, responsibilities, and challenges of citizens in a globalized world.

Importance of Civics and Civics Education

• Nurtures informed citizens who can participate actively in democratic processes.
• Develops critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Fosters active participation in democracy, promoting civic values and responsibility.
• Prepares citizens to engage in the democratic process, make informed decisions, and hold officials accountable.

Rights and Freedoms

• 1987 Constitution, Article III: Bill of Rights
  • Sec. 1: No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.
  • Sec. 2: The right to be secure in one's person, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
  • Sec. 3: The privacy of communication and correspondence shall be inviolable.
  • Sec. 4: No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

Duties and Obligations of Citizens

• 1973 Constitution, Article V: Duties and Obligations of Citizens
  • Sec. 1: Loyalty to the Republic, honoring the Philippine flag, defending the State, and upholding the Constitution.
  • Sec. 2: Engaging in gainful work, registering, and casting votes.
  • Sec. 3: Registering and casting votes.
  • Sec. 4: Obligation to contribute to the development and welfare of the country.

Ten Habits of Good Citizenship

• 1. Be Informed: Seek knowledge, critically evaluate information, and engage in the democratic process.
• 2. Get Involved: Participate in various forms of political participation, including voting, advocating, and supporting candidates.
• 3. Stay Open to Compromise: Embrace the importance of compromise in democratic decision-making.
• 4. Remain Civil: Engage in respectful dialogue, avoiding personal attacks and incivility.
• 5. Reject Violence: Promote peaceful means of resolving conflicts and addressing grievances.
• 6. Value Norms: Uphold ethical standards, respect for human dignity, and the rule of law.
• 7. Promote the Common Good: Prioritize the welfare of society and the nation.
• 8. Respect Government Service: Recognize the importance of government service and the role of public servants.
• 9. Support the Teaching of Civics: Foster an informed and engaged citizenry through civic education.
• 10. Put Country First: Prioritize the nation's interests and welfare above personal or group interests.### Compromise in Politics

• Fine line between necessary compromise and giving up fundamental principles

• Careful evaluation and consideration of potential benefits and drawbacks are required

• Compromise often leaves individuals vulnerable to criticism, especially in ideological and motivated political environments

Rejection of Violence

• Importance of nonviolent means to effect political change in democratic societies
• Governments hold a monopoly on legitimate use of force within their borders, except in cases of self-defense
• Violence committed by individuals or groups is considered criminal activity

Civility in Politics

• Associated with manners, respect, courtesy, and politeness
• Treating others as one wants to be treated, even in disagreements and strong opinions
• Allows for dialogue and understanding, and decreases likelihood of disagreements escalating into violence

Valuing Norms

• Importance of both obeying the law and observing societal norms for the well-being of a democracy
• Norms relate to the spirit and intent of the law, and are crucial for a functional society
• Not every behavior can be reduced to a specific law, and some norms may rely on individual integrity and societal expectations

Promoting the Common Good

• Importance of caring for fellow citizens and the tension between individual rights and obligations to society
• Concept of individual rights and harm principle: individuals should be free to do what they want as long as it doesn't harm others
• Interconnectedness of individuals, and the impact of their actions on others

Respecting Government Service

• Importance of understanding the nature of government and its role in providing security, infrastructure, safety regulations, and more
• Governments make mistakes and can be corrupt, but democracy has mechanisms in place to address and rectify such issues
• Importance of change in perception and dialogue surrounding government, incentivizing government service, and promoting shared experiences

Supporting the Teaching of Civics

• Importance of passing down the essentials of a country's citizenship and the need for a better understanding of the country's heritage
• Solid civics education should cover the structure and operation of the government, fundamental terms and ideas of democracy, and more

Putting Country First

• The country and democracy should be prioritized over party and personal interests
• Importance of virtue or character in maintaining a democratic society
• Importance of thinking institutionally, considering the long-term benefits for institutions and society as a whole, and doing the right thing for the national interest