PS 102 Philippine Politics and Governance PDF

SAINT LOUIS COLLEGE City of San Fernando, La Union PS 102 - Philippine Politics and Governance I. INTRODUCTION Learning Objectives At the end of this lesson, students will be able to: 1. Defin...

SAINT LOUIS COLLEGE City of San Fernando, La Union PS 102 - Philippine Politics and Governance I. INTRODUCTION Learning Objectives At the end of this lesson, students will be able to: 1. Define and differentiate the concepts of politics, governance, and democracy. 2. Explain the fundamental principles of democracy and its various forms. 3. Identify and analyze key indicators of good governance and their impact on political stability. Definition of Politics According to Harold Lasswell, at its most basic level, politics is the struggle of “who gets what, when, and how.” This struggle may be as modest as competing interest groups fighting over control of a small municipal budget or as overwhelming as a military stand-off between international superpowers. Political scientists study such struggles, both small and large, in an effort to develop general principles of theories about the way the world of politics works. It is important to understand that politics is at the core of political science. Politics is something we discuss daily, whether it is criticizing an actual legislator or administrator, or a nominee, or complaining about policy contemplated or in practice, we talk about political concerns with others as it is usually a topic whenever people gather together regardless of social and economic background. We may even sometimes mumble about these to ourselves. We shake our heads in dismay over policies not implemented and decisions improperly made or nod in approval whenever something good, meaningful and significant is achieved. An analogy may better explain this. Many of us discuss the weather and most of the times complain about it being too hot, too cold, too wet, or too dry. However, when discussing or complaining about the weather we are not engaged in meteorology nor do majority of us possess technical knowledge about the weather. Similarly, when discussing politics, we are not engaged in political science. Most of us discussing politics are not political scientist just as most of us are not meteorologist when complaining about the weather.  Ayson in the book "Fundamentals of Political Science" opined that Political scientists of old define political science as the study of the state în all its elements, aspects and relationships. Such elements and aspects include its government and its organs and institution through which the state functions. It further includes certain aspects of human behavior, how governments and people actually conduct themselves in a political society. David Easton’s definition of politics as "the authoritative allocation of values for a society" highlights the role of politics in determining and distributing societal values through recognized structures of authority. Politics, in this view, it involves making decisions about which values—such as justice, equality, and freedom—are prioritized and how they are implemented and enforced across society. These decisions are considered authoritative because they are backed by the power of the state, ensuring compliance and shaping the social and moral order. Thus, politics is not just about distributing resources but also about defining and upholding the core values that guide a society. Aristotle's assertion that "Man is by nature a political animal" reflects his belief that humans are inherently social beings who naturally seek to live in organized communities. The political community is essential for the fulfillment of human life because it provides the structure within which individuals can pursue virtue and live a good life. He believed that only within the context of a political community can individuals fully realize their nature as rational and social beings. The polis serves as the environment where individuals can collaborate, debate, and establish laws that promote the well-being of all members of the community. Thus, Aristotle's idea of humans as political animals underscores the notion that living in a society governed by laws and institutions is not only natural but necessary for human flourishing. Politics, therefore, is deeply ingrained in human existence, as it is through political engagement that individuals achieve their purpose and contribute to the collective good. Aspects of Politics 1. Power and Authority Power and authority are central to politics, as they determine how decisions are made and enforced within a society. Power refers to the ability to influence or control the behavior of others, often through the use of resources, persuasion, or coercion. Authority, on the other hand, is the legitimate right to wield power, typically granted by law, tradition, or social consent. The acquisition of power can occur through various means, such  as elections, inheritance, or force, depending on the political system in place. Once obtained, power must be maintained through strategies like building alliances, managing public opinion, or using force. The exercise of power involves making and implementing decisions that affect the community, shaping policies, and ensuring compliance through the authority vested in political leaders or institutions. 2. Political Systems Political systems are the frameworks within which political power is organized, distributed, and exercised. These systems define the structure of government and the rules by which political processes operate. Common types of political systems include democracy, where power is derived from the consent of the governed through free and fair elections; autocracy, where power is concentrated in the hands of a single ruler or a small group, often without the need for public consent; and oligarchy, where power is held by a select few, often based on wealth, family ties, or military control. Each political system has its own mechanisms for decision-making, conflict resolution, and governance, influencing how power is allocated and how authority is legitimized within a society. 3. Political Behavior Political behavior encompasses the actions and attitudes of individuals and groups as they engage in the political process. It includes how people participate in politics, such as through voting, campaigning, protesting, or lobbying. Political behavior also involves the formation of public opinion, the role of interest groups, and the influence of media and social networks on political decisions. Understanding political behavior is crucial for analyzing how citizens interact with political institutions, express their preferences, and seek to influence policy outcomes. It also sheds light on the dynamics of political participation, including factors like voter turnout, political engagement, and the impact of social and economic inequalities on access to political power. Definition of Governance According to political scientist Robert I. Rotberg, a widely recognized definition of governance is: "Governance is the delivery of political goods to citizens by a government." He emphasized that governance is fundamentally about the provision of essential services and goods, such as security, justice, education, and infrastructure, which governments must deliver effectively to meet the needs of their citizens. This definition highlights the practical role of governance in ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of the population through efficient and equitable service delivery. James Rosenau’s definition of governance as "the process whereby an organization or society steers itself, involving the interaction of various institutions, markets, and networks" underscores the idea that governance extends beyond government alone. It involves a complex and dynamic process where multiple actors, including public institutions, private markets, NGOs, and informal networks, work together to guide and manage society. Governance, in this sense, is about how different entities collaborate, influence decisions, and implement actions to achieve collective goals. This broader view highlights the decentralized nature of governance, where authority and decision-making are shared across various sectors and levels, making effective governance a product of coordinated efforts among diverse stakeholders. Concept of Democracy Democracy is a form of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise that power either directly or through elected representatives. The core principle of democracy is popular sovereignty, meaning that the authority of the government is derived from the will of the people. In a democracy, the rule of law is fundamental; all individuals, including government officials, are subject to the law, which is applied fairly and consistently. Democracies are characterized by free and fair elections, where citizens have the right to vote and choose their leaders. Additionally, democracy ensures the protection of civil liberties and political rights, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and religion, allowing individuals to express their views and participate in public life without fear of repression. There are different types of democracy, with the two most common being direct democracy and representative democracy. In a direct democracy, citizens participate directly in decision-making processes, whereas in a representative democracy, they elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf. Democracy also relies on the principle of separation of powers, dividing government responsibilities among different branches (executive, legislative, and judicial) to prevent any single entity from gaining too much power. This system of checks and balances is designed to maintain accountability and prevent abuse of power, ensuring that the government remains responsive to the needs and interests of the people. Indicators of Good Governance Good governance is characterized by several key indicators that reflect the quality, effectiveness, and ethical standards of governance in a society or organization. These indicators help assess how well governance systems are functioning and whether they are meeting the needs of the people they serve. 1. Accountability - Accountability in governance means that government officials, institutions, and organizations are held responsible for their actions and decisions. This includes being answerable to the public and other stakeholders. Mechanisms for accountability include regular audits, checks and balances, and the ability for citizens to challenge decisions through legal and political channels. 2. Transparency - Transparency involves the openness of governance processes, where decisions, policies, and information are accessible and understandable to the public. Transparent governance allows citizens to see how decisions are made, which helps build trust in government institutions. 3. Rule of Law - The rule of law is a cornerstone of good governance, ensuring that all individuals and institutions, including the government itself, are subject to and abide by the law. It implies that laws are fairly applied and enforced without favoritism or prejudice. Effective rule of law protects citizens' rights and provides a framework for resolving disputes peacefully. 4. Responsiveness: - Responsiveness in governance refers to the ability of institutions to serve the needs and concerns of the public promptly and effectively. A responsive government listens to its citizens, adapts policies to meet emerging challenges, and delivers public services efficiently. 5. Equity and Inclusiveness - Equity and inclusiveness mean that all members of society, particularly the most vulnerable and marginalized, have opportunities to participate in governance processes and benefit from its outcomes. Good governance ensures that resources and services are distributed fairly and that everyone is treated with dignity and respect. 6. Effectiveness and Efficiency - This indicator focuses on the ability of governance systems to achieve desired outcomes using available resources  in an optimal manner. Effective governance achieves policy goals, delivers public services, and promotes economic growth while minimizing waste and making the best use of resources. 7. Participation – Participation refers to the active involvement of citizens in the decision-making processes of governance. It ensures that the voices of all stakeholders, including those from marginalized groups, are heard and considered. Participation can take many forms, such as voting in elections, engaging in public consultations, or being involved in community organizations. 8. Consensus-Oriented - Consensus-oriented governance involves mediating different interests in society to reach broad agreements on policies and decisions that are in the best interest of the whole community. This approach requires negotiation, dialogue, and compromise among various stakeholders to find solutions that everyone can accept. Relationship between Politics and Governance Politics and governance are deeply intertwined, each influencing and shaping the other in various ways. While politics refers to the process of making decisions that apply to members of a group, governance is the mechanism by which those decisions are implemented and managed. Politics sets the direction for governance. Political processes, such as elections, lobbying, and legislative debates, determine the policies and priorities that governance structures must implement. Governance, in turn, influences politics by affecting how well these policies are executed and how they impact society. For example, a government’s success or failure in managing public services can affect the political landscape, shaping voter opinions and future election outcomes. Furthermore, political ideologies and power dynamics play a crucial role in shaping governance practices. The political leadership in power determines the policies that governance institutions will enforce and the approach they will take in managing resources, delivering services, and upholding laws. For instance, a political party with a strong emphasis on social welfare will influence governance to prioritize programs like healthcare, education, and social security. Effective governance can strengthen political stability by fostering trust in public institutions and ensuring that citizens' needs are met. Conversely, poor governance can lead to political unrest, as citizens may become dissatisfied with the way resources are managed or how decisions are made. Good governance supports a healthy political system by ensuring that policies are implemented effectively, laws are enforced fairly, and public services are delivered efficiently. This, in turn, legitimizes the political authority and strengthens the democratic process. On the other hand, a robust political system that allows for active participation, accountability, and transparency creates the conditions for effective governance.