1935 Constitution of the Philippines

Summary

The 1935 Philippine Constitution, also known as the Commonwealth Constitution, was a pivotal legal framework that paved the way for Philippine independence from the United States. Established during a 10-year transitional period, it outlined the structure of government, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It introduced significant reforms such as women's suffrage, the Bill of Rights, and the recognition of national symbols like the flag and language. Though interrupted by World War II, the constitution played a key role in the nation's eventual independence in 1946, marking a new era of sovereignty and democratic governance in the Philippines.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 1935 Philippine Constitution, also known as the Commonwealth Constitution, laid the foundation for the Philippines' transition to independence from the United States.
• 😀 The Commonwealth Constitution served as a transitional government framework, paving the way for the Philippines to gain independence by 1946.
• 😀 The Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act of 1933 promised Philippine independence after a 10-year transition but reserved military and naval bases for the U.S., which led to opposition from Manuel L. Quezon.
• 😀 The Tydings-McDuffie Act of 1934 replaced the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act, provided for Philippine independence in 1946, and allowed the drafting of a constitution for the new government.
• 😀 The drafting of the 1935 Philippine Constitution began in 1934, led by Claro M. Recto, with 202 delegates involved in the process.
• 😀 The 1935 Constitution was certified by the U.S. and ratified by Filipinos in 1935, marking the establishment of the Commonwealth government.
• 😀 The first presidential election under the 1935 Constitution was held on September 15, 1935, with Manuel L. Quezon elected president and Sergio Osmeña as vice president.
• 😀 The Philippine Constitution introduced the structure of government with three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial, each with defined powers and responsibilities.
• 😀 Significant changes under the 1935 Constitution included the granting of suffrage to women and the creation of a Bill of Rights that protected equality under the law.
• 😀 Despite World War II interruptions, the Philippines ultimately gained full independence on July 4, 1946, marking the fulfillment of the 1935 Constitution's promise of sovereignty and self-governance.

Q & A

What was the primary purpose of the 1935 Philippine Constitution?

The primary purpose of the 1935 Philippine Constitution was to provide the legal framework for the Commonwealth government, serving as a transitional government before the Philippines gained full independence from the United States.

How did the 1935 Philippine Constitution relate to American governance?

The 1935 Constitution was heavily influenced by American governance, as it was designed to mirror the U.S. system of government in preparation for the eventual independence of the Philippines.

What was the role of the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act in the creation of the 1935 Philippine Constitution?

The Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act, passed in 1933, promised Philippine independence after a 10-year transitional period but reserved certain U.S. military and naval bases in the country. It set the stage for the later passage of the Tidings-McDuffie Act, which provided a clearer path to Philippine independence.

What was the significance of the Tidings-McDuffie Act?

The Tidings-McDuffie Act, signed in 1934, set the Philippines' independence date to July 4, 1946, and allowed for the adoption of a Philippine Constitution and the establishment of a government, thus further advancing the independence process.

Who led the drafting of the 1935 Philippine Constitution, and when was it created?

The drafting of the 1935 Philippine Constitution was led by Claro M. Recto and took place during the 1934 Constitutional Convention, which started on July 10, 1934, and ended on February 8, 1935.

What were the key provisions related to Philippine sovereignty in the 1935 Constitution?

Article 17 of the 1935 Constitution established the Philippines as the Commonwealth of the Philippines, which would later become the Republic of the Philippines once the U.S. sovereignty was fully withdrawn. It also confirmed the national territory, as defined by the Treaty of Paris and other international agreements.

What were the three branches of government established by the 1935 Constitution?

The 1935 Constitution established three branches of government: the executive (headed by the president), the legislative (the National Assembly), and the judicial (headed by the Supreme Court).

How did the 1935 Constitution address women's suffrage?

The 1935 Constitution extended the right to vote to women, stipulating that a plebiscite would be held within two years after the adoption of the constitution, allowing at least 300,000 women to vote affirmatively on the issue.

What were the key rights guaranteed by the 1935 Constitution?

The 1935 Constitution guaranteed fundamental rights such as the right to life, liberty, and property, and the right to equal protection under the law. These rights were outlined in the Bill of Rights (Article 3).

What role did the national flag and language play in the 1935 Constitution?

The 1935 Constitution officially recognized the national flag of the Philippines, which consisted of red, white, and blue with a sun and three stars. It also called for the development of a national language based on one of the existing native languages, with English and Spanish continuing as official languages.