Philippine Government and Constitution
Philippine Government and Constitution
Philippine Government and Constitution
Course Guide
A: Course Overview: This course presents basic concepts, principles, processes, rights and
institutions necessary for the understanding of the framework of the Philippine Government
and the fundamental charter from which it is founded (the Constitution).
B: Course Goals: At the end of the semester, you are expected to: 1. acquire basic knowledge
regarding the concepts and principles behind Philippine Government and Constitution; 2. to
apply this basic knowledge for you to critically analyze and formulate intelligent opinions on
certain political issues besetting the Philippine government; and 3. to better exercise your rights
and discharge your corresponding obligations to others as responsible members of a
democratic society.
C: Materials: In taking this subject, you are required to secure a copy of this course guide as
well as all of the modules containing the topics to be covered and study guides, if any. You must
also refer to any of the updated editions of textbooks on the subject and to the 1987 Philippine
Constitution. Newspaper broadsheets and journals will also be used in relating concepts being
studied to contemporary political issues.
PRELIM
1. Concepts of Politics
a. Neutral Concept
b. Evaluative Concept
c. Pejorative Concept
1. The State
a. Definition
b. Physical and Political Element
2. The Government
a. General and Specific Functions of the Government
b. The Inherent Powers of the Government
• Power of Eminent Domain
• Police Power
• Power of Taxation
c. Classification and Forms of Government
c.1 According to Seat of Power
• Monarchy
• Oligarchy or Aristocracy
• Democracy
• Dictatorial Government
• Military Government
c.2. According to Legitimacy
• De Facto (Government of Force)
• De Jure (Government of Law)
c.3 According to the relationship between the three branches of government
• Presidential
• Parliamentary
c.4 According to the extent of power of the national government
• Unitary
• Federal
3. The Constitution
MIDTERM
2. National purposes and aims in adopting the Philippine Constitution as set forth in the
preamble
4. To serve and protect the people as the prime duty of the government (Sec. 4)
5. Peace and order; protection of life, liberty and property and promotion of general welfare as
essential factors for the enjoyment of the blessings of democracy. (Sec.5)
V. Human Rights
1. Definition of Right
2. Classes of Rights
a. Natural Rights
b. Constitutional Rights
• Political Rights
• Civil Rights
• Rights of the Accused
c. Statutory Rights
b. Political Rights
DEPARTMENTAL
h. Right to just compensation for private property taken for public use. (Sec. 9)
3. Kinds of Citizen
a. Natural-Born
b. Naturalized
1. Meaning of Suffrage
2. Forms of Suffrage
a. Election
b. Recall
c. Plebiscite
d. Referendum
e. Initiative
FINAL
2. Qualifications, Term of Office and Maximum Terms of the President and the
Vice-President
Commission on Audit
Electoral Tribunals
Impeachment
a. Meaning , Nature and Purpose of Impeachment
b. Impeachable Officials
c. Grounds, Procedures and Penalty for Impeachment Cases
Cabinet Members
E. Course Requirements: To pass the course, you must attend classes regularly and obtain a
passing average of the marks of the four (4) periods (Prelim, Midterm, Departmental, and
Final). Other requirements include written compositions, case studies/analysis and participation
in a graded recitation to be conducted towards the end of every grading period.
G. Grading System:
Final grade shall be determined by AVERAGING the marks of the four (4) periods (Prelim Grade
+ Midterm Grade + Departmental Grade + Final Grade ÷ 4). Grades for each period shall be
determined as follows:
Quizzes - 15%
Major Exams - 40%
Assignments - 10%
Projects - 20%
Oral Participation/Attendance/Behavior - 15%