Philippine Politics and Governance Review Questions for Summative Test

Summary

In this video lesson, Dean Abubakar Murray, a Juris Doctor, explains key concepts related to the branches of government, separation of powers, checks and balances, and the roles of political parties in the Philippines. He discusses the functions of the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches, as well as the importance of civil society organizations in shaping policies. Murray also addresses issues such as political clans, electoral reforms, and the need for better-qualified candidates. He emphasizes active citizenship and encourages students to engage in governance, vote, and participate in community actions to become responsible citizens.

Takeaways

• 😀 The three branches of government—Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary—each have distinct roles: the Legislative makes laws, the Executive enforces them, and the Judiciary interprets them.
• 😀 The doctrine of Separation of Powers ensures that each branch has exclusive control over its specific functions to avoid power concentration.
• 😀 Checks and Balances prevent abuse of power, allowing branches to oversee and limit each other's authority. For example, the President can veto laws, while the Legislature can impeach officials.
• 😀 Democratization refers to increasing citizen participation in government, while Decentralization involves transferring more power to local governments for greater autonomy.
• 😀 The Philippine electoral system faces challenges such as political clan dominance, limiting opportunities for new candidates and reform.
• 😀 Political parties in the Philippines lack clear ideologies and are often based on personalities and patronage rather than policy, leading to instability and turncoatism.
• 😀 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) play a vital role in advocating for legislation, executing initiatives, and complementing government efforts in areas like education, health, and the environment.
• 😀 The judiciary is the final arbiter in legal disputes, especially when branches of government have conflicting interpretations of the law.
• 😀 The political system in the Philippines needs stronger political party ideologies to reduce personality politics and ensure clearer policy direction.
• 😀 To become active and responsible citizens, students should engage in elections, participate in local governance (e.g., Sangguniang Kabataan), and stay informed about political issues.

Q & A

What are the main functions of the three branches of government in the Philippines?

The three branches of government in the Philippines are: 1) The Legislative Branch, which makes laws; 2) The Executive Branch, which executes laws; and 3) The Judiciary Branch, which adjudicates legal matters and interprets laws.

What is the significance of the separation of powers in the Philippine government?

The separation of powers ensures that each branch of government has its exclusive functions, preventing any single branch from overstepping its boundaries. This doctrine is designed to avoid abuse of power and maintain a system of checks and balances.

How does the concept of checks and balances function in the Philippines?

Checks and balances in the Philippine government are mechanisms that allow each branch to monitor and limit the actions of the others. For example, the President has the power to veto laws, but the Legislative Branch can override the veto, ensuring no branch has unchecked power.

How are the concepts of democratization and decentralization different?

Democratization refers to increasing individual participation in the government, giving citizens a stronger voice in decision-making. Decentralization, on the other hand, involves transferring more power and autonomy from the national government to local governments.

What are the main issues within the current electoral system in the Philippines?

Key issues in the Philippine electoral system include the dominance of political clans, lack of opportunities for new candidates, and insufficient qualifications for candidates. The system is criticized for allowing family dynasties to control politics, which can hinder new leadership.

What role do political parties play in the Philippine political system?

Political parties in the Philippines often lack clear ideologies and are more focused on personalities than policy platforms. This leads to instability and frequent party-switching among politicians. The political party system is criticized for not fostering ideological consistency.

What is the relationship between civil society organizations and government in the Philippines?

Civil society organizations (CSOs) play an essential role in advocating for laws, offering proposals, and lobbying legislators. They complement government efforts by raising awareness and pushing for legislative changes, particularly in areas such as the environment and social services.

Can the rise of civil society organizations be seen as a response to government failure?

No, civil society organizations are not a result of government failure, but rather serve as complementary partners. They help fill gaps that government institutions may not fully address, empowering citizens and promoting voluntary participation in governance.

What are the responsibilities of an active and responsible citizen in the Philippines?

An active and responsible citizen participates in the political process, such as voting, engaging in local government activities, and supporting community initiatives. Citizens are encouraged to be 'thinking citizens,' aware of their rights and duties, and involved in civic life.

What advice did Dean Abubakar Murray give to students about becoming responsible citizens?

Dean Murray advised students to engage in political actions, whether by voting, joining local governance initiatives, or simply participating in community activities. He emphasized the importance of thinking critically and being informed in order to make meaningful contributions to society.