1935: The commonwealth constitution and 1899: Malolos constitution

Summary

This video explores the Commonwealth Constitution of the Philippines in 1935, detailing its structure with a President, Vice President, and a bicameral legislature. It traces the country's journey from Spanish colonization, through the Treaty of Paris, to American rule. Key laws like the Philippine Organic Act of 1902 and the Jones Law of 1916 shaped the nation's governance. The 1935 Constitution, drafted by Claro M. Recto, aimed for independence and democracy, leading to the 1946 declaration of the Republic. The video also delves into the Malolos Constitution of 1899, the first attempt at self-governance, which established rights and separation of church and state but was never fully implemented due to the Philippine-American War.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Commonwealth constitution of 1935 established the framework for the government of the Philippines, outlining its structure and functions.
• 🌐 The Commonwealth consisted of a President, Vice President, Cabinet, Legislature, Judiciary, and Civil Service, reflecting a democratic republic model.
• 📜 The Treaty of Paris ended Spanish colonization but led to the Philippines becoming subject to US power, marking a shift from one colonial power to another.
• 📚 The Philippine Organic Act of 1902 and the Jones Law of 1916 were significant US laws that laid the groundwork for the Philippine government's structure and eventual autonomy.
• 🗳️ The 1935 constitution provided for a unicameral National Assembly and a President and Vice President elected for six-year terms without re-election.
• 🔄 The 1935 constitution was later amended in 1940 to establish a bicameral Congress, composed of a Senate and House of Representatives, to better represent the Filipino people.
• 📊 The right to vote was extended to Filipino citizens who were at least 21 years old, able to read and write, and later to women within two years after the constitution's adoption.
• 🗓️ The constitution was drafted, approved by the constitutional convention on February 8, 1935, and ratified by US President Franklin D. Roosevelt on March 25, 1935.
• 🎖️ Manuel L. Quezon was elected as the first president of the Commonwealth in September 1935, marking a milestone in Philippine political history.
• 🏝️ The Philippine Independence was declared on July 4, 1946, ending the period of the Commonwealth and establishing the Republic of the Philippines.

Q & A

What is the definition of a Commonwealth as mentioned in the transcript?

A Commonwealth is defined as an independent country or community, especially a democratic republic, which is used in the association of commonwealth of nations, and it consists of a President, Vice President, cabinet members, legislature, judiciary, and civil service.

What was the impact of the Treaty of Paris on the Philippines according to the transcript?

The Treaty of Paris ended Spanish colonization and led to the Philippines becoming subject to the power of the USA, effectively making the USA the new colonizer of the country.

What were the two acts of the United States Congress that had qualities of constitutionality in the Philippines?

The two acts were the Philippine Organic Act of 1902 by Henry Cooper and the Philippine Autonomy Act of 1916 by Jones Law.

How did the Philippine Autonomy Act of 1916, also known as Jones Law, change the structure of the Philippine government?

The Jones Law modified the structure of the Philippine government by removing the Philippine Commission and replacing it with a Senate, allowing for the first truly elected national legislative.

What was the significance of the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act passed by the United States Congress in 1932?

The Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act promised the granting of Filipino Independence, but it was opposed by then Senate President Manuel L. Quezon and consequently rejected by the Philippine Senate.

What was the primary source of the 1935 Commonwealth Constitution of the Philippines?

The primary source of the 1935 Commonwealth Constitution was the preamble which stated that the Filipino people, imploring the aid of Divine providence, aimed to establish a government that would embody ideals, conserve and develop the nation's patrimony, promote general welfare, and secure the blessings of independence under a regime of justice, liberty, and democracy.

What were the key features of the 1935 Commonwealth Constitution of the Philippines?

The 1935 Commonwealth Constitution created a unicameral National Assembly with a President and Vice President elected for six years without re-election. It was later amended in 1940 to have a bicameral Congress composed of a Senate and House of Representatives.

Who was elected as the first President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines?

Manuel L. Quezon was elected as the first President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines.

What is the Malolos Constitution and why is it significant?

The Malolos Constitution, also known as the Political Constitution of 1899, was the constitution of the first Philippine Republic. It was significant as it was the first attempt to establish a national government and define the rights and structure of the new republic.

Who were the main authors of the Malolos Constitution?

The main authors of the Malolos Constitution were Apolinario Mabini and Pedro Paterno, with Philip Calderon Roca and Philip Buencamino as alternative authors.

What were the key achievements of the Malolos Congress?

The key achievements of the Malolos Congress included the ratification of the declaration of Philippine Independence, the passage of a law allowing the Philippines to borrow money for government expenses, the establishment of the Universidad de Filipinas and other schools, drafting of the Philippine Constitution, and declaring war against the United States.