POLITICS and GOVERNANCE with PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION

IVY KAREN C. PRADO

First Semester, SY 2015-2016
Department of
Course Description
The course is an introduction to the concepts and tenets of political science focusing on politics,
governance and government. The course specifically provides an understanding on Philippine
government and politics as it gives highlights and special emphasis on the Philippine
Constitution, specifically on the three branches of the government: the executive, legislative and
judicial branches including the Bill of Rights. Likewise, the course will also deal with the current
issues confronting the students taking the course. This is a three unit course in the Philippine
education system mandated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for the tertiary
level.
Course Objectives:
At the end of the semester, the students are expected to manifest the following competencies:
1
2
3
4
5
6

Provide the students with the theories and principles in the course of political science;
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the provision of the Philippine Constitution;
Provide the students with the knowledge on the development, organization and
operation of the Philippine government;
Classify competently the different branches of the government and the constitutional
commissions;
Strengthen the students awareness on the formal structure for political participation and
their role as citizens of the country;
Reinforce the students understanding on the constitution as the basis of all political
institutions and processes;

Course Content:
A Vision-Mission, Program Objectives, Course requirements, School Policies, Grading
System
I

Nature of Politics and Governance

Definition of Politics
What is Governance?

II

State and its Elements

Meaning of the State
Theories on the Origin of the State
Elements of the State
State Distinguished Nation
Inherent Powers of the State
Rights and Obligations of the State

III

Government and Political Ideology

Definition of Government
Forms of Government
Best Form of Government
Concept and Definition of Ideology
Popular Kinds of Ideology

IV

Constitution
Nature and Concepts of the Constitution
Meaning of Constitution
Purposes and Functions of the Constitution
Classification of the Constitution
Requisites of a Good Written Constitution
History of the Philippine Constitution

The National Territory of the Philippines

Intercontinental Shelve
Inland Water
Maritime Water
Archipelagic Doctrine

VI

Bill of Rights
Political Rights
Civil Rights
Social and Economic Rights
Rights of the Accused

VII

Citizenship
Concepts of Citizenship
Kinds of Citizens
Citizens and Aliens Distinguished
Modes of Acquiring Citizenship
Loss of Citizenship
Duties and Responsibilities of a Citizen

VIII

Suffrage and Election

Nature of Suffrage
Right of Suffrage in the Philippines
Kinds of Election in the Philippines
Qualification of Voters
Disqualification of Voters
Absentee Voting

IX

Political Parties
Definition of Political Party
Functions of Political Parties
Definition of Interest Group
Interest Groups in the Philippines

The Philippine Government

Principle of Separation of Powers
Principle of Checks and Balance
The Legislative Branch
The Executive Branch
The Judicial Branch
Local Government

XI

International Relations
Definition of Foreign Policy
Requirements of a Foreign Policy
International Law
Importance of International Law
United nations Organizations

Reference:
Any Book on the Constitution of the Philippines