AFPSAT General Information — Philippine History & Political ScienceCheat Sheet
Philippine History & Political Science cheat sheet — the reference card you wish you had on exam day. Condensed from the full study notes, this is the high-yield core of Philippine History & Political Science for AFPSAT General Information. Download, print, revise.
Exam context
On the AFPSAT 2026, the General Information subtest carries a "Core" weight in Armed Forces of the Philippines's pattern. Philippine History & Political Science lands at position 7th out of 7 in the standard review order. Target score is AFP-set percentile, and roughly a meaningful share of items come from General Information on a typical AFPSAT paper.
Philippine History & Political Science - Cheat sheet
Your last-minute revision companion for Philippine History & Political Science - covering all key periods, governments, and political concepts for CSE Professional exams
Sections
Section Title
Pre-Spanish Government
Important Facts
- Four social classes: Maharlika (nobility), Timawa (freemen), Aliping namamahay (serfs), Aliping saguiguilid (slaves)
- Maragtas Code written by Datu Sumakwel in AD 1250
- Kalantiaw Code written by Datu Kalantiaw in AD 1433
- Government was monarchical in nature with datu as monarch
- Each barangay possessed four elements of a state
Key Definitions
Term
Barangay
Example
Villages ruled by datu before Spanish colonization
Definition
Basic political unit composed of 100 families, possessing four elements of a state
Term
Datu
Example
Datu Sumakwel who wrote the Maragtas Code
Definition
Chief ruler of barangay; executive, law-giver, judge, and military head
Term
Maginoos
Example
Advisory body in pre-Spanish barangay governance
Definition
Council of Elders serving as advisers to the datu
Diagrams To Know
- Social hierarchy pyramid of pre-Spanish Philippines
- Barangay political structure diagram
Common Values
Value
333 years
Symbol
1565-1898
Quantity
Spanish rule duration
Section Title
Spanish Colonial Government
Important Facts
- Spain ruled Philippines 1565-1898 (333 years)
- First Spanish Governor-General: Miguel Lopez de Legaspi
- Last Spanish Governor-General: Gen. Diego delos Rios
- Philippines governed through Mexico (1565-1821), then directly by Spain
- Cebu first city established (1565), Manila second (1571)
- Centralized structure: Barangays → Pueblos → Provinces
- Royal Audiencia established 1583 for judicial system
Key Definitions
Term
Encomienda
Example
Land grants given to Spanish conquistadors
Definition
Spanish colonial system granting colonists control over indigenous people and tribute collection
Term
Gobernadorcillo
Example
Spanish-appointed local leader replacing traditional datu
Definition
Local chief executive of pueblo, popularly called Capitan
Term
Royal Audiencia
Example
Established in 1583 in Cebu and Vigan
Definition
Spanish colonial court exercising appellate jurisdiction over criminal cases
Diagrams To Know
- Spanish colonial administrative structure
- Timeline of Spanish rule periods
Common Values
Value
June 12, 1898
Symbol
Independence
Quantity
Philippine Independence Day
Section Title
Revolutionary Government
Important Facts
- Katipunan founded by Andres Bonifacio, initiated revolution August 26, 1896
- Tejeros Convention March 22, 1897: Aguinaldo elected first President
- Philippine Independence proclaimed June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite
- Malolos Constitution framed September 15, 1898
- Four revolutionary governments: Katipunan, Biak-na-Bato, Dictatorial, Revolutionary
- First Philippine Republic not recognized by family of nations
Key Definitions
Term
Katipunan
Example
Founded by Andres Bonifacio with Supreme Council as central government
Definition
Secret society that initiated Philippine revolution against Spain on August 26, 1896
Term
Biak-na-Bato Republic
Example
Short-lived republic ended by Pact of Biak-na-Bato
Definition
Republic established by Aguinaldo on November 1, 1897, lasted until December 15, 1897
Term
First Philippine Republic
Example
Lasted from January 23, 1899 to March 23, 1901
Definition
Independent republic established January 23, 1899 under Malolos Constitution with Aguinaldo as President
Diagrams To Know
- Timeline of revolutionary governments
- Katipunan organizational structure
Common Values
Value
10 years
Symbol
1935-1946
Quantity
Commonwealth period
Section Title
American Colonial Government
Important Facts
- Three American government types: Military, Civil, Commonwealth
- Civil Government started July 4, 1901 with William Howard Taft as first Civil Governor
- Commonwealth inaugurated November 15, 1935 after September 12, 1935 election
- Philippines represented by two resident commissioners in US House
- Commonwealth functioned in exile during WWII (May 13, 1942 - October 3, 1944)
- Frank Murphy: last Governor-General, first High Commissioner
Key Definitions
Term
Military Government
Example
Gen. Wesley Meritt, Gen. Elwell Otis, Gen. Arthur McArthur as military governors
Definition
American rule from April 14, 1898 after capture of Manila, ended July 4, 1901
Term
Commonwealth Government
Example
Manuel L. Quezon as first President, Sergio Osmena as Vice President
Definition
Transition government (1935-1946) based on Tydings-McDuffie Law, preparing for independence
Term
Jones Law
Example
Replaced Philippine Commission and Assembly system
Definition
1916 law creating Philippine Legislature with Senate and House of Representatives
Diagrams To Know
- American colonial government structure
- Commonwealth government organization chart
Common Values
Value
3 years
Symbol
1942-1945
Quantity
Japanese occupation duration
Section Title
Japanese Occupation
Important Facts
- Japanese occupation: 1942-1945
- Jorge B. Vargas chaired Philippine Executive Commission
- Jose P. Laurel became President of Japanese-sponsored Republic
- Ultimate authority remained with Japanese military leadership
- Republic dissolved August 17, 1945 before Japanese surrender
Key Definitions
Term
Japanese Military Administration
Example
Terminated US sovereignty over Philippines
Definition
Government established January 3, 1942 after occupation of Manila
Term
Philippine Executive Commission
Example
Exercised executive and legislative powers subject to Japanese approval
Definition
Civil government under Japanese rule with Jorge B. Vargas as chairman
Term
Japanese-sponsored Republic
Example
Dissolved August 17, 1945 by President Laurel
Definition
Republic inaugurated October 14, 1943 with Jose P. Laurel as President
Diagrams To Know
- Japanese occupation government structure
- Timeline of Japanese rule
Common Values
Value
14 years
Symbol
1972-1986
Quantity
Martial Law duration
Section Title
Third Philippine Republic
Important Facts
- Presidents: Roxas (1946-1948), Quirino (1948-1953), Magsaysay (1953-1957), Garcia (1957-1961), Macapagal (1961-1965)
- Marcos presidency: 1965-1986 (20 years), only president reelected (1969)
- Martial Law: September 21, 1972 - February 25, 1986
- Corazon Aquino: first female President (1986-1992)
- 1987 Constitution ratified February 2, 1987
- Post-EDSA presidents: Aquino, Ramos, Estrada, Arroyo, Aquino III, Duterte
Key Definitions
Term
Third Philippine Republic
Example
First fully independent Philippine government after American period
Definition
Independent Philippines inaugurated July 4, 1946 with Manuel Roxas as President
Term
Martial Law
Example
Abolished Congress, concentrated power in Marcos
Definition
Proclaimed September 21, 1972 by Marcos via Proclamation No. 1081
Term
EDSA People Power
Example
Led to Corazon Aquino becoming President
Definition
Peaceful revolution February 22-25, 1986 that ousted Marcos
Diagrams To Know
- Timeline of Third Republic presidents
- EDSA People Power chronology
Section Title
Elements and Theories of State
Important Facts
- Four elements of state: People, Territory, Government, Sovereignty
- Philippine territory includes archipelago, territorial sea, aerial domain
- State vs Nation: Political vs Ethnic concept
- State vs Government: State is ideal person, Government is agent
- Origin theories: Divine Right, Force, Paternalistic, Social Contract
Key Definitions
Term
State
Example
Republic of the Philippines with its four elements
Definition
Community of persons occupying definite territory, independent of external control, with organized government
Term
Sovereignty
Example
Philippines' authority over its territory and citizens
Definition
Supreme power of state to enforce will on members within jurisdiction and freedom from foreign control
Term
Government
Example
Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of Philippines
Definition
Agency through which the will of the state is formulated, expressed, and realized
Diagrams To Know
- Four elements of state diagram
- State vs Government vs Nation comparison
Section Title
Forms of Government
Important Facts
- Principal forms: Monarchy, Aristocracy, Democracy
- Democracy types: Direct (pure) and Indirect (representative)
- Power extent: Unitary vs Federal
- Executive-Legislature relationship: Parliamentary vs Presidential
- Legal basis: De Jure (constitutional) vs De Facto (revolutionary)
Key Definitions
Term
Democracy
Example
Philippines practices indirect/representative democracy
Definition
Government where political power is exercised by majority of people
Term
Federal Government
Example
United States of America
Definition
Power divided between national and local agencies, each supreme in own jurisdiction
Term
Presidential System
Example
Philippines under 1987 Constitution
Definition
Executive independent of legislature in tenure, policies, and acts; directly elected
Diagrams To Know
- Classification of government forms
- Presidential vs Parliamentary system comparison
Section Title
Functions of Government
Important Facts
- Constituent functions are compulsory and essential
- Include: order maintenance, legal relations, property regulation, contract determination
- Include: crime definition/punishment, justice administration, political duties, foreign relations
- Ministrant functions are optional for general welfare
- Include: public works, education, charity, health and safety regulations
Key Definitions
Term
Constituent Functions
Example
Keeping order, protecting persons and property, administering justice
Definition
Compulsory functions that constitute the bond of society
Term
Ministrant Functions
Example
Public works, education, charity, health regulations
Definition
Optional functions undertaken to advance general interests of society
Diagrams To Know
- Government functions classification tree
Must Remember
- Philippine Independence: June 12, 1898 (Kawit, Cavite)
- Four elements of state: People, Territory, Government, Sovereignty
- Marcos Martial Law: September 21, 1972 - February 25, 1986
- EDSA People Power: February 22-25, 1986
- Commonwealth period: 1935-1946 (Tydings-McDuffie Law)
- First Philippine Republic: January 23, 1899 - March 23, 1901
- Spanish rule: 1565-1898, American rule: 1898-1946
- Third Philippine Republic inaugurated: July 4, 1946
- 1987 Constitution ratified: February 2, 1987
- Pre-Spanish barangay system with datu as ruler
Last Minute Tips
- Remember exact dates for independence (June 12, 1898) and republic inauguration (July 4, 1946)
- Distinguish between First (1899-1901), Second (Japanese-sponsored), and Third (1946-present) Republics
- Know the chronological order of revolutionary governments: Katipunan → Biak-na-Bato → Dictatorial → Revolutionary → First Republic
- Memorize the four elements of state - questions often test definitions and examples
- Review president succession and key events during each administration for comprehensive coverage
Comparison Tables
Rows
Values
- 333 years (1565-1898)
- 48 years (1898-1946)
Property
Duration
Values
- Centralized, monarchical
- Democratic, federal influence
Property
Structure
Values
- Gobernadorcillo system
- Civil service system
Property
Local Rule
Values
- Limited, religious focus
- Public education system
Property
Education
Values
- None
- Commonwealth transition period
Property
Preparation for Independence
Columns
- Aspect
- Spanish Rule
- American Rule
Table Title
Spanish vs American Colonial Government
Rows
Values
- Political concept
- Agent/instrument
- Ethnic concept
Property
Nature
Values
- Permanent, immutable
- Changeable
- Cultural continuity
Property
Permanence
Values
- Always independent
- Represents state
- May/may not be independent
Property
Independence
Values
- May have multiple nations
- Single entity
- May span multiple states
Property
Composition
Columns
- Element
- State
- Government
- Nation
Table Title
State vs Government vs Nation
Ready to practise for the AFPSAT 2026?
Super Tutor's AI review plan adapts to your weak areas and builds a weekly practice schedule around your target AFPSAT exam date.