Gen.Info - Art. 6: The Legislative Department Part 1

Summary

This video explores the legislative branch of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, detailing its powers and structure. It defines legislative power and categorizes it into original, delegated, constituent, and ordinary powers. The bicameral Congress comprises the Senate and the House of Representatives, with specific qualifications for members. It explains the types of elections, salary regulations, and the significance of sessions and quorum in legislative processes. The video emphasizes the importance of transparency through the legislative journal and outlines the rules governing procedures and discipline within Congress.

Takeaways

• 😀 Legislative power includes the authority to make, alter, and repeal laws.
• 📜 The four classifications of legislative power are original, delegated, constituent, and ordinary.
• 🏛️ The Philippine Congress is a bicameral body, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
• 👥 The Senate has 24 members, while the House of Representatives can have up to 250 members, including party-list representatives.
• 🗳️ District representatives serve specific congressional districts, whereas party-list representatives advocate for minority sectors.
• 👨‍⚖️ Senators must be at least 35 years old, while members of the House must be at least 25 years old.
• 🗓️ Regular elections for Congress are held every second Monday of May, with special elections occurring as needed.
• 💰 Salaries for senators and House members are determined by law and any increases take effect after their terms end.
• 📅 Congress convenes for regular sessions starting on the fourth Monday of July, with special sessions called for urgent matters.
• ⚖️ A quorum, typically a majority of each house, is necessary to conduct legislative business effectively.

Q & A

What is legislative power?

Legislative power is the authority to make, alter, and repeal laws.

What are the four classifications of legislative power?

The four classifications are original, delegated, constituent, and ordinary power.

What is original power and how is it exercised?

Original power is held by the people in their sovereign capacity and is exercised through initiatives and referendums.

What is the structure of the Philippine Congress?

The Philippine Congress is a bicameral body consisting of the Senate (the upper house) and the House of Representatives (the lower house).

How many senators are there in the Senate, and who leads it?

There are 24 senators in the Senate, which is led by the Senate President.

What is the role of district representatives in the House of Representatives?

District representatives represent specific congressional districts within the country.

What are the qualifications to become a senator?

To become a senator, one must be a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, literate, a registered voter, and a resident of the Philippines for at least two years prior to the election.

What types of elections are held for Congress members?

There are regular elections held every second Monday of May and special elections for delayed regular elections or to fill vacancies.

What is the term limit for members of the House of Representatives?

Members of the House of Representatives can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms, with each term lasting three years.

What is the significance of the legislative journal?

The legislative journal is the official record of congressional proceedings, ensuring transparency and public access to information about how representatives fulfill their duties.