Understanding Constitutions and the Philippines

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a constitution?

To promote economic growth

To limit the rights of the individuals

To provide guidelines for international relations

To establish the duties and powers of government institutions (correct)

Which of the following is NOT considered a part of a good written constitution?

Procedures for amendment

Budget allocation for government programs (correct)

Organizational section for government powers

Bill of Rights

Which constitution was in effect in the Philippines prior to the 1987 Constitution?

Biak-na-Bato Constitution

1973 Constitution (correct)

Malolos Constitution

1935 Commonwealth Constitution

What does the Bill of Rights primarily safeguard?

Political and civil rights of citizens Signup and view all the answers

What type of government system does the Philippine Constitution establish?

Presidential Signup and view all the answers

Which section of the constitution addresses the rights to freedom of speech and assembly?

Section 4 Signup and view all the answers

In what year was the current Philippine Constitution enacted?

1987 Signup and view all the answers

Which of these constitutions was the first to govern the Philippines?

Biak-na-Bato Constitution Signup and view all the answers

Who were the authors of the Cuban constitution?

Isabelo Artacho and Felix Ferrer Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Asamblea de Representantes?

To elect a new Council of Government and develop a new constitution Signup and view all the answers

Which body had the authority to affirm or disprove sentences rendered by other courts?

Consejo Supremo de Gracia Y Justicia Signup and view all the answers

What major event triggered the convening of the Asamblea de Representantes?

The Philippine war against Spain Signup and view all the answers

What constitution served as a model for the Malolos Constitution?

Both A and C Signup and view all the answers

When was the Malolos Constitution promulgated?

January 21, 1899 Signup and view all the answers

Why was the constitution mentioned not fully implemented?

Because of the Pact of Biak-na-Bato Signup and view all the answers

What was the social status of the commission that drafted the Malolos Constitution?

Composed of wealthy and educated men Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Tydings-McDuffie Act passed in 1934?

To define mechanisms for the establishment of a formal constitution. Signup and view all the answers

Which significant change was made to the 1935 constitution in 1940?

Amendment to create a bicameral Congress. Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial voting right limitation under the 1935 Constitution?

Voting was allowed for male citizens 20 years and older, who could read and write. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of governance did the 1935 Constitution initially provide for?

A unicameral National Assembly. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event briefly interrupted the implementation of the 1935 Constitution?

World War II and the Japanese occupation. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the president of the constitutional convention that established the 1935 Constitution?

Claro M. Recto. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key goals stated in the preamble of the 1935 Constitution?

To promote the general welfare. Signup and view all the answers

What did the 1946 declaration of independence formally establish for the Philippines?

An independent republic. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is a Constitution?

A constitution is a set of rules establishing the duties and functions of government institutions
It defines the relationship between the state and individuals
Constitutions are classified based on rules, change mechanisms, adherence, and structure.

A Good Written Constitution

Constitution of Liberty: protects civil and political rights, limits government power
Constitution of Government: outlines government structure, enumerates powers, defines administration, and the electorate
Constitution of Sovereignty: establishes how changes to the constitution are to be made.

Constitution of the Philippines

In effect since 1987
Prior constitutions: 1935 Commonwealth, 1973, and 1986 Freedom Constitution

Parts of the Government Under the 1987 Constitution

Executive
Legislative
Judiciary
Utilizes a Presidential System of Government

The General Form of a Constitution

Preamble
Organizational Section: outlines government powers
Bill of Rights
Amendment Procedures

Why is the Bill of Rights Important?

It protects individual freedoms and limits government’s power to infringe upon them.

Historical Development of the Philippine Constitution

1897: Biak-na-Bato Constitution:
- Provisional constitution during the Philippine Revolution
- Signed on November 1, 1897
- Based on the Cuban Constitution
- Written by Isabelo Artacho and Felix Ferrer
1899: Malolos Constitution:
- Drafted by a commission elected by the Malolos Congress
- Approved by the Congress on 29 November 1898
- Promulgated by Aguinaldo on 21 January 1899
- Patterned after Spanish (1812) and French (1793) Constitutions.
- Main author was Felipe Calderon, citing similarities in social, political, and governance contexts.
1935: Commonwealth Constitution:
- Created after the Philippines became a US territory
- Established by the Tydings-McDuffie Act (Philippine Independence Act)
- Approved by a constitutional convention with Claro M. Recto as president
- Crafted to meet the approval of the US government
- Aimed to transition the country towards independence
- Initially had a unicameral National Assembly with a six-year term for president and vice president
- Amended in 1940 to have a bicameral Congress and limited presidential terms.
- Women's right to suffrage was granted two years after the Constitution's adoption.
- Briefly interrupted by World War II with the Japanese occupation.
- Philippine independence was declared on July 4, 1946.

The 1935 Constitution

Emphasized that nationalism is nurtured by history

1897: Biak-na-Bato Constitution

Never fully implemented due to the Pact of Biak-na-Bato between the Spanish and the Philippine Revolutionary Army.
Its preamble states that the Philippine Republic was established through a revolution that began on 24 August 1896.

Parts of the Government Under the Biak-na-Bato Constitution:

Supreme Council: held the power of the republic, headed by the president and four department secretaries (interior, foreign affairs, treasury, and war).
Consejo Supremo de Gracia Y Justicia (Supreme Council of Grace and Justice): had the authority to make decisions and affirm or disapprove court sentences, as well as dictate rules for the administration of justice.
Asamblea de Representantes (Assembly of Representatives): would convene after the revolution to create a new constitution, elect a new Council of Government, and represent the people.

Preamble of the 1899 (Malolos) Constitution

Emphasizes the establishment of justice, common defense, general welfare, and securing the benefits of liberty relying on the "Sovereign legislator of the Universe" to achieve these goals.

Preamble of th 1935 Constitution

It states that, "The Filipino people, imploring the aid of Divine Providence, in order to establish a government that shall embody their ideals, conserve and develop the patrimony of the nation, promote the general welfare, and secure themselves and their posterity the blessings of independence under a regime of justice, liberty, and democracy, do ordain and promulgate this constitution."

Preamble of the 1987 Constitution

"It is hereby declared that the Philippines is a democratic and republican state. Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them. The defense of the State and the people's security and well-being shall be the prime duty of the Government, and in the fulfillment of this duty all citizens may be required, even those who are not citizens of the Philippines but residing therein, to render personal military or civil service."

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Description

This quiz delves into the essential aspects of constitutions, including their definitions, types, and the specific features of the Constitution of the Philippines. Explore topics such as the government's structure under the 1987 Constitution, and the importance of civil rights within a constitution. Test your knowledge on these fundamental principles of governance.