Module 9-Week 10

QUARTER II HUMANS AND INSITUTIONS

9 z POLITICAL AND LEADERSHIP STRUCTURES

Name:___________________________________________________________________Strand and
Section:___________________________

Objectives

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

1. Analyze social and political structures.
2. Differentiate the types of political organizations and its advantages and disadvantages.
3. Present one legal right of a Filipino and its importance.

Introduction

Can you imagine life without leaders or governments? You may wonder if that scenario is even possible. In this
module, you will learn how other societies organize their political lives that may be distinct from what you are
aware of.

POLITICAL ORGANIZATION

A political organization is any entity that is participating in a political process. Elman Search the meaning
Service (1962), a political anthropologist, identifies four (4) types of sociopolitical for the following
organizations. words (In English
and Filipino).
1. BANDS
A band is the least complex form of political organization, as it has neither a rigid form of nomadic-
governance nor a structured form of leadership. This is often nomadic, meaning moving
from place to place, usually searching of food, which is often made up of hunters-
gatherers.

A band typically consists of 20-50 individuals who are usually related to one another by coercion-
virtue of kinship. Due to the close ties between members of this group, coercion as a form
of receiving compliance is not an option. Individuals are made to follow group decision
through social mechanisms such as gossiping, ostracizing, and being ridiculed.

This society is chiefly based on foraging, which is also known as hunting and gathering. foraging-
This type of economic subsistence allows for greater mobility of the group as they follow
animals and other food sources. Decision-making is often made by the entire group, with
the eldest member acting as the facilitator. This form of leadership is informal, as the
extent of the leader's power lies only upon his or her capacity to influence the course of facilitator-
dialog in the group. He or she can, by no means, coerce anyone in the group to do a task
that the other does not want to perform.

Bands are egalitarian in social composition. This implies that individuals in the group egalitarian-
have equal access to resources and values. Reciprocity is a primary form of exchange
among the members. Individuals who have lesser capacity to hunt or gather have equal
access to the food that other members are able to produce. This arrangement produces a
form of an economic safety net, wherein every member of the group is assured of basic reciprocity-
needs such as food and water. This is observed even if the member is not able to produce
on a particular day, as food and almost everything else are communally owned. The
drawback of this setting is the creation of free riders or those who would partake of their
share of the community’s resources without any attempt to contribute. In such cases,
bands would usually employ noncoercive tactics such as ridiculing and gossiping.

A Stop, Ponder, and

WhatAnswer
do you think is or are the disadvantages of a band as a political organization? You can write in English or
Filipino.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________

Compiled by: Mr. Jerold A. Amacio

Page 1
 QUARTER II HUMANS AND INSITUTIONS

___________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________

2. TRIBES
A tribe is a political organization that consists of segmentary lineages. This
type of kinship relation is marked by loyalty per family cluster or segment.
An individual’s loyalty primarily lies on his or her immediate family,
followed by his or her cousins, and then his or her distant cousins. The
position of the father in the family as the prime decision maker and his
position in society will most likely be similar. The Maasai tribes of Kenya
(picture on the right) have strong segmentary lineages that allow for
generational solidarity of warriors coming from the same age group. (Photo
courtesy: acanela.com)

Tribes are less mobile than bands. Most tribes are either horticultural (shifting agriculture) segmentary-
or pastoral (tending animals). These types of economic systems require individuals to
settle in one area for a specific period either to let their animals graze (pastoralism) or to
harvest their crops (horticultural). This supports the need to create an informal form of
leadership that is based on need. mobile-

The leaders that are chosen in this type of organization are individuals who are believed to
possess special skills or aptitudes that relate to the economic activity. Hence, should a
younger and an older hunter be in a debate about a decision, the decision-making power aptitude-
shall be accorded by the members of the society to the person with greater skills in hunting
without considering age. Similar to the leaders of bands, the leaders in a tribe have no
concrete political power over their members, except in areas when group concerns are in
place. elaborate-

3. CHIEFDOMS
The ancient Mayans (photo on the right) were known for their complex and elaborate
political system that incorporated absolute-
religion, kinship and politics. The
Mayan political organization is an
example of chiefdom, as it embodied
its characteristics that include a
political leader with an advisory instantaneously
council, a leader who exercises power
that is based on legitimacy, and the
existence of social stratification.
(Photo courtesy: ancient-origin.net)

Chiefdom is more complex than a

tribe, as this political organization consists of a few local communities who subscribe to the
power and rule of a leader who has absolute power on them. This absolute power is derived from the perceived
relation of the leader to supernatural forces and powers, which is a form of legitimizing factor. As long as the
members of the communities believe that their leader is a direct descendant of their gods, this leader maintains his
or her sovereignty in the land. Once the belief or people shift, this leader almost instantaneously loses power.

Similar to the tribe, this political organization is tied with horticulture and pastoralism. The same economic
process of redistribution through tribute collection is practiced in chiefdom, just like in a tribe. What distinguishes
a chiefdom from a tribe is the existence of social stratification that segregates society into the elite and the
commoner. The elites are often the relatives of the ruler and are also believed to have divinity or connections to
the supernatural.

B Stop, Ponder, and

Answer
Do you think it is possible for a certain society to survive if there is no leader or government that rules them?
Why or why not? Support your claims. (You can write in English or Filipino).
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Compiled by: Mr. Jerold A. Amacio
Page 2
 QUARTER II HUMANS AND INSITUTIONS

___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

4. STATES AND NATIONS

You have learned in an earlier module that a state is different from a nation, as nation refers to a group of people
sharing similar culture and political history, whereas state refers to the political organization united by a common
set of laws.

A state uses absolute power in directing the path of a society. To attain societal goals and objectives, a state uses
complete political coerciveness, which may come in the form of armed personnel, stricter laws, and rigid
government policies. This provides a marginal intersection between politics and kinship, as both are required not
to interact in the guise of professionalism and incorruptibility.

As states consist of actors with varying interests and assertions, social rules are implemented in the form of laws.
These laws are created to manage the interaction among individuals and between the individuals and the state. As
a citizen of a country, an individual is subjected to the legal norms in the territory. These norms may include
paying taxes, rendering military service, and contributing to the political life in the society. For example, in
the event of war, citizens may be required to render military service for their country.

In South Korea, all males are required to render military service one they turn 18. The length of one’s military
service depends on a number of factors. The service time period for the Army and Marines is 21 months, the
Navy is 23 months and the Air Force is 24 months.

In the Philippines, some of the obligations of its citizens include (1) payment of at most 32% of one's income as
income tax to the government, 2) payment of 12% value added tax (VAT) for all commodities and services
purchased, (3) completion of the National Service Training Program (NSTP) or the Reserve Officers Training
Corps (ROTC) while in college, and (4) recognition of the authority of government officials (e.g, police officers,
lawmakers).

Being a citizen of a country also entails the enjoyment of certain privileges that are labeled as rights. There are
two types of rights that are enjoyed by individuals as members of state: natural and legal. Natural rights are
those that are expected to be enjoyed by all individuals, regardless of citizenship. These rights are derived from
the basic elements of individuals being humans. Some of these rights include the right to life, the right to liberty
or freedom, and the right to property. Legal rights are those that are awarded to an individual by the state as part
of its culture, traditions, and norms. Hence a Muslim-dominated state will provide its citizens a different set of
legal rights as compared to a Christian-dominated state. Some examples of legal rights are (1) the right to vote, (2)
the right to privacy, and (3) the right to join formal organizations.

EXTEND YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Here is the copy of the Bill of Rights of the Philippines, which states the rights to be enjoyed by its citizens.

SECTION 1. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the
equal protection of the laws.

SECTION 2. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and
seizures of whatever nature and for any purpose shall be inviolable, and no search warrant or warrant of arrest shall issue except
upon probable cause to be determined personally by the judge after examination under oath or affirmation of the complainant and
the witnesses he may produce, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.

SECTION 3. (1) The privacy of communication and correspondence shall be inviolable except upon lawful order of the court, or
when public safety or order requires otherwise, as prescribed by law.
(2) Any evidence obtained in violation of this or the preceding section shall be inadmissible for any purpose in any proceeding.

SECTION 4. No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people
peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.

SECTION 5. No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free
exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No
religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.

SECTION 6. The liberty of abode and of changing the same within the limits prescribed by law shall not be impaired except upon
lawful order of the court. Neither shall the right to travel be impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety, or
public health, as may be provided by law.

SECTION 7. The right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized. Access to official records,
and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used as
basis for policy development, shall be afforded the citizen, subject to such limitations as may be provided by law.

Compiled by: Mr. Jerold A. Amacio

Page 3
 QUARTER II HUMANS AND INSITUTIONS

SECTION 8. The right of the people, including those employed in the public and private sectors, to form unions, associations, or
societies for purposes not contrary to law shall not be abridged.

SECTION 9. Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation.

SECTION 10. No law impairing the obligation of contracts shall be passed.

SECTION 11. Free access to the courts and quasi-judicial bodies and adequate legal assistance shall not be denied to any person by
reason of poverty.

SECTION 12. (1) Any person under investigation for the commission of an offense shall have the right to be informed of his right
to remain silent and to have competent and independent counsel preferably of his own choice. If the person cannot afford the
services of counsel, he must be provided with one. These rights cannot be waived except in writing and in the presence of counsel.
(2) No torture, force, violence, threat, intimidation, or any other means which vitiate the free will shall be used against him. Secret
detention places, solitary, incommunicado, or other similar forms of detention are prohibited.
(3) Any confession or admission obtained in violation of this or Section 17 hereof shall be inadmissible in evidence against him.
(4) The law shall provide for penal and civil sanctions for violations of this section as well as compensation to and rehabilitation of
victims of torture or similar practices, and their families.

SECTION 13. All persons, except those charged with offenses punishable by reclusion perpetua when evidence of guilt is strong,
shall, before conviction, be bailable by sufficient sureties, or be released on recognizance as may be provided by law. The right to
bail shall not be impaired even when the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus is suspended. Excessive bail shall not be required.

SECTION 14. (1) No person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense without due process of law.
(2) In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved, and shall enjoy the right to be
heard by himself and counsel, to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation against him, to have a speedy, impartial, and
public trial, to meet the witnesses face to face, and to have compulsory process to secure the attendance of witnesses and the
production of evidence in his behalf. However, after arraignment, trial may proceed notwithstanding the absence of the accused
provided that he has been duly notified and his failure to appear is unjustifiable.

SECTION 15. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended except in cases of invasion or rebellion when the
public safety requires it.

SECTION 16. All persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their cases before all judicial, quasi-judicial, or
administrative bodies.

SECTION 17. No person shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.

SECTION 18. (1) No person shall be detained solely by reason of his political beliefs and aspirations.
(2) No involuntary servitude in any form shall exist except as a punishment for a crime whereof the party shall have been duly
convicted.

SECTION 19. (1) Excessive fines shall not be imposed, nor cruel, degrading or inhuman punishment inflicted. Neither shall the
death penalty be imposed, unless, for compelling reasons involving heinous crimes, the Congress hereafter provides for it. Any
death penalty already imposed shall be reduced to reclusion perpetua. (2) The employment of physical, psychological, or degrading
punishment against any prisoner or detainee or the use of substandard or inadequate penal facilities under subhuman conditions
shall be dealt with by law.

SECTION 20. No person shall be imprisoned for debt or non-payment of a poll tax.

SECTION 21. No person shall be twice put in jeopardy of punishment for the same offense. If an act is punished by a law and an
ordinance, conviction or acquittal under either shall constitute a bar to another prosecution for the same act.

SECTION 22. No ex post facto law or bill of attainder shall be enacted.

D VIDEO
Directions:PRESENTATION
o The teacher will assign each of you a specific section in the Bill of Rights. The list will be sent on the chat
group on Messenger.
o Explain the section in the simplest way (can be in English or Filipino) and give a real life example.
o Your video should be not less than 1 minute and not more than 2 minutes.
o Introduce yourself and your section at the beginning of your video.
o Send your video presentation to my Facebook account (Jerdam Amacio) or e-mail
([email protected])
o Deadline is on November 29, Sunday.
Criteria Points Score
Accuracy of explanation. Content. Relevance. Organization of Ideas 10
Delivery and Presence 5
Language Technicalities, Pronunciation, Enunciation, Diction 5
Total 20

Compiled by: Mr. Jerold A. Amacio

Page 4