AFPSAT General Information — Government Structure — Legislative, Executive & JudicialSlides
The slide format strips Government Structure — Legislative, Executive & Judicial to the visuals that AFPSAT reviewers remember best. Armed Forces of the Philippines's 2026 General Information papers reward reviewers who recognise the structure of a concept before they parse the item text; these slides train that recognition.
Exam context
Armed Forces of the Philippines runs the Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test on Multiple schedules yearly. Its General Information section sits under a "Core" weighting, and Government Structure — Legislative, Executive & Judicial is the 2nd chapter in the 7-chapter AFPSAT General Information rotation. The AFPSAT passing mark is AFP-set percentile, and the most recent 2026 paper drew about a meaningful share of questions from General Information.
Government Structure — Legislative, Executive & Judicial - Slides
Understanding the structure of the Philippine government is essential for civil service professionals. The 1987 Constitution establishes a system of separation of powers among three co-equal branches: the Legislative (Congress), Executive (President), and Judicial (Supreme Court). This system ensures checks and balances, preventing any single branch from becoming too powerful. Each branch has distinct functions, qualifications, and responsibilities that work together to serve the Filipino people.
Slides
Overview of Philippine Government Structure
The Philippine government operates under a presidential system with three separate but co-equal branches. This structure ensures that power is distributed and no single entity can dominate the others.
Notes
Foundation slide establishing the framework for understanding government structure
Topic
Government Structure Overview
Slide Id
S1
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
1
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Philippine Government)) Legislative Senate 24 Members 6 Year Terms House of Representatives 250 Maximum 3 Year Terms Executive President 6 Year Term No Reelection Vice President 6 Year Term Judicial Supreme Court 15 Justices Chief Justice Lower Courts Court of Appeals Regional Trial Courts
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Mind map showing the three branches of Philippine government and their key components
Legislative Department - The Senate
The Senate serves as the upper chamber of Congress, representing the entire nation rather than specific districts. Senators are elected at-large, meaning all qualified voters nationwide participate in their election.
Notes
Focus on Senate composition and qualification requirements
Topic
Senate Structure
Slide Id
S2
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
2
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Senate Qualifications] --> B[Natural-born Filipino] A --> C[At least 35 years old] A --> D[Able to read and write] A --> E[Philippine resident 2+ years] B --> F[Eligible for Election] C --> F D --> F E --> F F --> G[6-year term] G --> H[Maximum 2 terms]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing Senate qualifications and term limits
Legislative Department - House of Representatives
The House of Representatives serves as the lower chamber, with members representing specific congressional districts. The party-list system ensures representation for various sectors of society.
Notes
Distinguish between Senate and House qualifications and terms
Topic
House of Representatives Structure
Slide Id
S3
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
3
Mermaid Diagram
Code
pie title House Representation "District Representatives" : 80 "Party-list Representatives" : 20
Type
mermaid_pie
Description
Pie chart showing the composition of House representation between district and party-list members
Party-List System
The party-list system ensures that various sectors of Philippine society have representation in Congress, promoting inclusivity and diverse perspectives in lawmaking.
Notes
Important to emphasize exclusion of religious sector and 2% threshold
Topic
Party-List Representation
Slide Id
S4
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
4
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Eligible Sectors] --> B[Farmers] A --> C[Labor] A --> D[Women] A --> E[Youth] A --> F[Education] G[Religious Sector] --> H[EXCLUDED] B --> I[Register with COMELEC] C --> I D --> I E --> I F --> I I --> J[Election Day] J --> K{2% of votes?} K -->|Yes| L[One Representative] K -->|No| M[No Representation]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing party-list system process and requirements
Congressional Powers and Duties
Congress exercises legislative power by creating, amending, and repealing laws. Beyond lawmaking, it has crucial oversight and budgetary functions that ensure government accountability.
Notes
Comprehensive overview of legislative powers beyond just lawmaking
Topic
Congressional Powers
Slide Id
S5
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
5
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Congressional Powers)) Legislative Enact Laws Amend Constitution Impeach Officials Financial Approve Budget Impose Taxes Appropriate Funds Oversight Investigate Confirm Appointments Declare War Emergency Martial Law Review State of War
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Mind map showing the various powers and duties of Congress
How a Bill Becomes Law
The legislative process ensures thorough review and debate of proposed laws. Both chambers must pass identical versions before sending to the President for final action.
Notes
Complex process requiring understanding of bicameral system
Topic
Legislative Process
Slide Id
S6
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
6
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Bill Filed] --> B[First Reading] B --> C[Committee Hearings] C --> D[Committee Report] D --> E[Second Reading] E --> F[Period of Amendments] F --> G[Third Reading] G --> H[Other Chamber] H --> I{Same Process} I --> J[Conference Committee] J --> K[Enrolled Bill] K --> L[President] L --> M{Sign or Veto?} M -->|Sign| N[Republic Act] M -->|Veto| O[Back to Congress] O --> P{Override Veto?} P -->|Yes| N P -->|No| Q[Bill Dies]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing the complete legislative process from bill filing to enactment
Executive Department - The President
The President serves as both head of state and head of government, wielding executive power to implement and enforce laws. The single-term limit prevents abuse of power.
Notes
Emphasize single-term limitation unique to Philippine system
Topic
Presidential Office
Slide Id
S7
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
7
Mermaid Diagram
Code
stateDiagram-v2 [*] --> Candidate Candidate --> Elected: Win Election Elected --> President: Take Oath President --> Former: End of Term Former --> [*] note right of President Single 6-year term No reelection allowed end note
Type
mermaid_stateDiagram
Description
State diagram showing presidential term progression and limitations
Presidential Powers and Duties
Presidential powers encompass military command, legislative participation through veto power, executive appointments, and clemency authority. These powers enable effective governance while subject to constitutional limits.
Notes
Balance between strong executive and constitutional limitations
Topic
Presidential Powers
Slide Id
S8
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
8
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Presidential Powers)) Military Commander in Chief Armed Forces Control Defense Decisions Legislative Veto Power State of Nation Address Emergency Powers Executive Appoint Officials Implement Laws Foreign Policy Judicial Grant Pardons Commute Sentences Clemency Power
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Mind map showing the various powers of the Philippine President
Vice President and Succession
The Vice President serves as the constitutional successor and may have additional duties assigned by the President. Unlike the President, the Vice President can seek reelection.
Notes
Important to understand separate election and succession role
Topic
Vice Presidency
Slide Id
S9
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
9
Mermaid Diagram
Code
sequenceDiagram participant P as President participant VP as Vice President participant C as Congress P->>VP: Assign duties VP-->>P: Support administration P->>VP: Emergency succession VP->>C: Take oath as President Note over VP,C: Succession due to death,<br/>resignation, or removal
Type
mermaid_sequence
Description
Sequence diagram showing Vice Presidential role and succession process
Judicial Department - Supreme Court
The Supreme Court heads the judicial branch and serves as the final arbiter of legal disputes. Justices serve until age 70 or impeachment, ensuring judicial independence.
Notes
Emphasize 15-year experience requirement and lifetime tenure until 70
Topic
Supreme Court Structure
Slide Id
S10
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
10
Mermaid Diagram
Code
pie title Supreme Court Composition "Chief Justice" : 7 "Associate Justices" : 93
Type
mermaid_pie
Description
Pie chart showing Supreme Court composition with Chief Justice and Associate Justices
Supreme Court Powers
The Supreme Court's power of judicial review allows it to declare laws or government actions unconstitutional, serving as the ultimate check on legislative and executive power.
Notes
Judicial review is the key power distinguishing Supreme Court
Topic
Judicial Review
Slide Id
S11
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
11
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Legal Case] --> B{Lower Court} B --> C[Court of Appeals] C --> D[Supreme Court] D --> E{Constitutional Issue?} E -->|Yes| F[Judicial Review] E -->|No| G[Legal Interpretation] F --> H[Constitutional Decision] G --> I[Final Judgment] H --> J[Binding Precedent] I --> J
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing judicial hierarchy and Supreme Court review process
Lower Courts Hierarchy
The court system operates hierarchically, with cases typically starting in lower courts and moving upward through appeals. Each level has specific jurisdiction and functions.
Notes
Include special courts like Sandiganbayan and Court of Tax Appeals
Topic
Court Hierarchy
Slide Id
S12
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
12
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Supreme Court] --> B[Court of Appeals] B --> C[Regional Trial Court] C --> D[Metropolitan Trial Court] C --> E[Municipal Trial Court] C --> F[Municipal Circuit Trial Court] G[Special Courts] --> H[Sandiganbayan] G --> I[Court of Tax Appeals] style A fill:#ff9999 style G fill:#99ccff
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing the hierarchy of Philippine courts from Supreme Court down to trial courts
Constitutional Commissions
These commissions are constitutionally independent to insulate them from political pressure. Each has specific functions critical to democratic governance and accountability.
Notes
Emphasize independence from political interference
Topic
Constitutional Commissions
Slide Id
S13
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
13
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Constitutional Commissions)) Civil Service Commission Personnel Management Career Service Merit System Ethics Standards Commission on Elections Electoral Process Voter Registration Campaign Regulation Political Parties Commission on Audit Financial Audit Government Spending Public Accountability Corruption Prevention
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Mind map showing the three constitutional commissions and their key functions
Local Government Structure
Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) establishes the structure and powers of local government units. Each level has specific functions and elected officials.
Notes
Distinguish between component cities and highly urbanized cities
Topic
Local Government
Slide Id
S14
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
14
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Region] --> B[Province] B --> C[Component City] B --> D[Municipality] E[Highly Urbanized City] --> F[Barangay] C --> F D --> F style A fill:#ffcccc style E fill:#ccffcc style F fill:#ccccff
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing local government hierarchy from regions down to barangays
Checks and Balances in Action
The separation of powers creates a system where each branch can check the others, preventing abuse while requiring cooperation for major decisions. This system protects democratic governance.
Notes
Demonstrate dynamic interaction between branches
Topic
Checks and Balances
Slide Id
S15
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
15
Mermaid Diagram
Code
sequenceDiagram participant L as Legislative participant E as Executive participant J as Judicial L->>E: Passes bills E-->>L: May veto bills L->>J: May impeach justices E->>J: Appoints justices J-->>E: Reviews executive actions J-->>L: Reviews laws for constitutionality Note over L,J: System of checks<br/>and balances
Type
mermaid_sequence
Description
Sequence diagram showing interactions between the three branches of government
Key Constitutional Principles
These principles form the foundation of Philippine democracy, ensuring government serves the people while preventing tyranny through distributed power and accountability mechanisms.
Notes
Concluding slide emphasizing fundamental democratic principles
Topic
Constitutional Principles
Slide Id
S16
Visual Type
none
Image Prompt
Slide Number
16
Mermaid Diagram
Type
none
References
- The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines
- Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991)
- Republic Act No. 7941 (Party-List System Act)
- Republic Act No. 6975 (Department of the Interior and Local Government Act)
- CIVIL SERVICE 3RD EDITION — General Information.pdf
In summary
Understanding the structure of the Philippine government is essential for civil service professionals and informed citizenship. The three co-equal branches—Legislative, Executive, and Judicial—work together through a system of checks and balances to ensure democratic governance. Each branch has distinct qualifications, terms, and responsibilities that contribute to effective public service. The constitutional commissions and local government units further strengthen democratic institutions. This structure protects against abuse of power while enabling responsive governance for the Filipino people.
Previous chapter
Philippine Constitution — Preamble, Declaration of Principles & Bill of Rights
Next chapter
Constitutional Commissions & Local Government
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