Politics, Governance, and Citizenship - GEED 020

Politics, Governance, and Citizenship GEED 020  Course Description This course explores the fundamental concepts of politics, governance, and citizenship within the Philippine context. It examines the historical development of Philippine political though and institutions...

Politics, Governance, and Citizenship GEED 020  Course Description This course explores the fundamental concepts of politics, governance, and citizenship within the Philippine context. It examines the historical development of Philippine political though and institutions, the structure and functions of the Philippine government, the dynamics of political participation and civil society, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. The course aims to develop students’ critical understanding of the political landscape and their role as engaged and responsible citizens  Chapter 1 Introduction: Politics and Governance What is Politics? -Traditional Views -Modern Views Forms of Government Governance Defining Citizenship The Role of Citizenship in a Democratic Society  Learning Objectives After the chapter, the learners are able to: understand the traditional and modern views of politics. describe the forms of government Differentiate government from governance understand good governance and its importance define citizenship and understand its role in a democratic society  What is Politics? Cambridge Dictionary defines politics as follows: The activities of the government, members of law-making organizations, or people who try to influence the way a country is governed. The study of the ways in which a country is governed. The relationships within group or organization that allow particular people to have power over others.  What is politics? According to Max Weber, politics can be broadly defined as “independent leadership in action,” implying that politics exists in any setting where power relations are at play. This means that politics is not just confined to the corridors of power but is present in trade unions, universities, and even within family dynamics. Fundamental Components of Politics 1. Leadership - This is a cornerstone of politics. Effective leaders wield power to influence, guide, and inspire others. 2. Power structures – It refers to the organized arrangements through which power is distributed and exercised. These structures can be formal, such as governments, and corporations, or informal, such as social networks and community groups. 3. Concepts of domination and subordination - Politics often involves a dynamic of domination and subordination, where some groups or individuals hold power over others. This can be observed in various contexts, from the hierarchical structure of a corporation to the gender dynamics within a household.  Key Aspects of Politics 1. Government and Authority 2. Decision-Making 3. Power and Influence 4. Public Affairs and Governance 5. Political Ideologies (Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism, Communism, etc)  Traditional Views of Politics Traditional political thought focus on the following: 1. State and Power – study of government institutions, rulers, and the exercise of power. 2. Moral and Ethical Perspective – Plato and Aristotle emphasized the moral purpose of politics, aiming for justice and common good. 3. Hierarchy and Authority – accepted monarchy, feudalism, or religious authority as the natural order of governance. 4. Limited Scope – Politics was mainly studied in relation to laws, governance, and statecraft, with little emphasis on social and economic issues.  Early Political Thinkers Plato (427-347 BC) is the Greek philosopher who is considered the first political scientist. He provided an intellectual rationale for the “divine right of kings.” To Plato, only the elite of philosopher kings or “guardians” had the political wisdom necessary to govern; a wisdom that could be transmitted to others by selective breeding. Aristotle (384-322BC) is the Greek philosopher who originated much of the study of logic, science, and politics. He presented the first comprehensive analysis of the nature of the state, of polity, and of political community. To him, the state was even more important than the family because while the family exists for comfort, the state can be a vehicle for glory and the good life. Plato is regarded as the parent of political philosophy and Aristotle the father of political science. Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527), focused on power dynamics and political strategy. Used strategic thinking, deception, and calculated decision-making. Jean Bodin (1530-1596) – a French philosopher who coined the term “political science.” But Bodin’s characteristics of the state centered on principles of stable government and concept of sovereignty.  Modern Views of Politics Key Features of Modern Views of Politics: 1. Broader Scope – included social movements, public opinion, international relations, and economic systems. 2. Democracy and Individual Rights – emphasize liberal democracy, civil rights, and political participation. 3. Scientific Approach – uses data, statistics, and empirical research to analyze political behavior and institutions. 4. Power Beyond State – politics is seen in workplaces, media, education, and culture, influencing everyday life. 5. Globalization and Interdependence – international organizations, multinational corporations, and global governance are key concerns.  Modern Political Thinkers John Locke – advocated for natural rights and government by consent ( foundation of liberal democracy) Karl Marx – focused on class struggle and economic power in politics. Max Weber – defined modern bureaucracy and authority types. Feminism and Postcolonialism – explore power dynamics related to gender, race, and global inequality.  What are the purposes of politics? 1. Governance and Order - establishes laws and policies to maintain stability and prevent chaos. - provides a structure for decision-making through governments, institutions, and laws. 2. Distribution of Power and Resources - determines how resources are allocated. - Prevents power from being concentrated in the hands of few through democratic process. 3. Representation and Participation - Allows citizens to express interests, needs, and concerns - Ensures diverse voices are included in decision-making  What are the purposes of politics? 4. Protection of Rights and Freedom - helps define and protect human rights - government create laws to prevent discrimination and injustice. 5. Conflict Resolution - provides peaceful methods to resolve disputes - helps manage conflicts between countries through treaties and diplomacy 6. Social and Economic Development - shapes policies on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and the economy - implements taxation and social welfare programs to reduce poverty and inequality.  What are the purposes of politics? 7. National Security and Sovereignty - ensures the protection of a nation from external threats through military and diplomatic strategies. 8. Moral and Ethical Guidance - Political ideologies influence laws based on cultural, religious, or philosophical beliefs. - Governments address ethical concerns like climate change, human rights, and justice.  Government and Governance Government - It is the political system by which a country or community is administered and regulated. -It is a legal entity that maintains order and provides essential services to citizens. -It is a specific entity responsible for exercising authority.  Forms of Government Democracy – Power is held by the people, either directly or indirectly 1. Direct Democracy – Citizens vote on laws and policies directly. (e.g. Ancient Athens) 2. Representative Democracy – citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf. (e.g. the United States, India) Republic – A government where officials are elected and must follow a constitution or set of laws. 1. Federal Government – Power is divided between national and regional governments. (e.g. the United States) 2. Parliamentary Republic –The head of government is chosen by the legislature (e.g. Germany)  Forms of Government Monarchy – a government ruled by a king or queen, with power to inherited through a royal family. 1. Absolute Monarchy – the monarch has complete control. (e.g. Saudi Arabia) 2. Constitutional Monarchy – The monarch’s power is limited by a constitution, and elected officials govern. (e.g. U.K., Japan) Oligarchy - A small group of people, often elites of the wealthy, hold power. (e.g. Historical Sparta, some modern plutocracies) Theocracy – Religious leaders or institutions control the government, ruling according to religious laws. (e.g., Vatican City, Iran)  Forms of Government Dictatorship/Autocracy – One person has absolute power, often taken by force or maintained through control over military and media. (e.g. North Korea) Totalitarian – An extreme form of dictatorship where the government controls all aspects of life, including the economy, culture, and personal freedoms. (e.g. Nazi Germany, Stalinist USSR) Communism – A system where the state controls all property and economic activity, aiming for a classless society (e.g. former Soviet Union, China under Mao) Anarchy – The absence of a formal government, where society functions without a centralized authority (often theoretical and temporary in practice) Governance and Good Governance Governance - is defined as the exercise of political, economic, and administrative authority in the management of country’s affairs at all levels. - is the process of decision-making and implementation of policies by government and non-governmental actors. - is a broader concept involving different actors’ participation in the decision-making process, including citizens, civil society organizations, and private sector entities. - is a collaborative and inclusive process that involves multiple actors and stakeholders in the decision-making and implementation of policies.  Good Governance Good Governance - It refers to mobilizing the people of a country in the best direction possible. - It requires the unity of people in society and motivates them to attain political objectivity. - It ensures proper utilization of all the resources of the state for its citizens which ensures sustainable development  Characteristics of Good Governance 1. Participation The participation of citizens in the process of governance is the key characteristic of good governance. Participation is an important step for mobilizing people to participate in the decision-making process. It can be direct or indirect but participation needs to be informed and organized. The aims and objectives of the political rights would be fulfilled by the greater participation of the people in the society. The legal framework represents the rule of law which ensures impartiality in terms of participation in the decision-making process of governance.  Characteristics of Good Governance 2. Rule of Law It needs a fair legal framework to establish the rule of law in society. Rule of law ensures impartiality which helps to protect human rights, particularly who is most marginal in society. The Independent judiciary system, its impartial nature, and the incorruptible police force are the key element to ensure the rule of law. 3. Transparency Governance needs transparency for the fair delivery of services to the citizens. It ensures a balance between policymaking and its enforcement following proper rules and regulations. It enables the citizen to access governmental information regarding various policies and their implementation freely. Proper media should be established for an easy understanding of this information  Characteristics of Good Governance 4. Responsiveness Responsiveness has a basic necessity of the administration which can motivate the interrelationships between administration and people. It requires sufficient services to the people within a specific time. 5. Consensus Oriented Governance depends on the consensus of people in society to make it good. It could fulfill the interest of the people as well as the community. It helped to achieve the long-term perspective of human development. And it originated from the social culture and institutional behaviors of the particular society.  Characteristics of Good Governance 6.Equity and Inclusiveness An equitable just society must be established for ensuring good governance. Society’s well-being depends on how its members feel about it. It requires all its members to feel that they have a stake in it and they are not excluded from the mainstream in the governance. 7. Effectiveness and Efficiency Effectiveness and efficiency ensure the outcomes of the institutions to meet the needs of society. Proper utilization of society’s resources for the establishment of sustainable development is the key to good governance. It also ensures the sustainable use of natural resources for the protection of the environment  Characteristics of Good Governance 8. Accountability Accountability is one of the most important characteristics of good governance. Good governance depends on how accountable government, as well as private sectors and civil society organizations, are to their people and their institutional stakeholders. Without transparency and the rule of law, accountability cannot be established.  Importance of Good Governance 1. Promotes economic growth and sustainable development. 2. Strengthens democracy and human rights 3. Reduces corruption and inequality 4. Enhances trust in government and institutions  Citizenship Citizenship - is the legal status and relationship between an individual and a state, granting the individual certain rights, responsibilities, and privileges. - signifies membership in a political community and comes with both legal and social dimensions. Types of Citizenship 1. By Birth (Jus Soli – “Right of the Soil”) – A person is granted citizenship based on being born within a country’s territory. 2. By Descent (Jus Sanguinis – “Right of Blood”) – Citizenship is inherited from parents, regardless of birthplace.  Citizenship 3. By Naturalization – A person acquires citizenship after meeting legal requirements, such as residency and language proficiency. 4. By Marriage – Some countries grant citizenship through marriage of a citizen. 5. By Special Grant – Citizenship can be conferred for exceptional service to a country.  Citizenship Rights of a Citizen 1. Right to vote and participate in government 2. Right to work and live in the country. 3. Right to a fair trial and legal protection 4. Right to social benefits Duties and Responsibilities 1. Obeying the laws of the country 2. Paying taxes 3. Serving on a jury if required 4. Defending the country 5. Participating in civic activities  Citizenship Role of Citizenship in a Democratic Society 1. Participate in Governance 2. Protection and Exercise of Rights 3. Promotion of Democratic Values 4. Civic Responsibility and Social Contribution 5. Safeguarding Democracy  The Preamble 1987 Philippine Constitution We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and humane society, and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves and our posterity, the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.