BFP Entrance Exam General Information — Philippine History & Political ScienceSlides
Philippine History & Political Science slides, sized for screen and print. Flip through them for a five-minute pre-mock refresh, or print the deck for on-paper annotation. Either way, the slides cover Philippine History & Political Science at the depth Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) tests for the BFP Entrance Exam 2026.
Exam context
For the Bureau of Fire Protection Entrance Examination, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) tests General Information under a "Core" label, with Philippine History & Political Science in the 7th slot across 7 chapters. BFP Entrance Exam candidates must clear the BFP-set percentile (typically 70%+) cut on the 2026 paper, which draws about a meaningful share of General Information questions. Date to watch: Announced by BFP per cycle.
Philippine History & Political Science - Slides
This comprehensive chapter explores the rich history of the Philippines from pre-colonial times to the present, tracing the evolution of government systems and political structures. Students will gain a thorough understanding of how the Philippines developed from scattered barangays to a modern democratic republic, while learning fundamental concepts of political science that are essential for the Civil Service Examination.
Slides
Philippine History & Political Science Overview
This chapter covers the complete journey of Philippine political development, from the barangay system of our ancestors to the current democratic republic. Understanding this evolution is crucial for comprehending how our government operates today.
Notes
Introduction slide providing comprehensive overview of the chapter content
Topic
Chapter Overview
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mindmap root((Philippine History & Political Science)) Pre-Spanish Era Barangay System Datu Leadership Social Classes Spanish Period Colonial Government Centralized Structure Governor-General American Era Military Government Civil Government Commonwealth Independence Third Republic Martial Law EDSA Revolution Political Science State Elements Government Forms Functions
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Overview of the major periods in Philippine political history and key political science concepts
Pre-Spanish Government: The Barangay System
Before Spanish colonization, the Philippines was organized into independent barangays. These small political units functioned as complete states with their own leadership, laws, and social structure.
Notes
Focus on the democratic yet monarchical nature of early Filipino governance
Topic
Pre-Spanish Government
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S2
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mermaid
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2
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flowchart TD A[Barangay Community] --> B[Datu Leadership] B --> C[Chief Executive] B --> D[Law Giver] B --> E[Chief Judge] B --> F[Military Head] G[Council of Elders] --> B H[Maginoos Advisors] --> G I[100 Families] --> A
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Structure of pre-Spanish barangay government showing the Datu's multiple roles and the advisory council
Pre-Spanish Social Classes
Pre-colonial Filipino society was stratified into four distinct social classes, each with specific rights, responsibilities, and social positions within the barangay community.
Notes
Emphasize that this social structure was different from European feudalism
Topic
Pre-Spanish Social Structure
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S3
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mermaid
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3
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pie title Pre-Spanish Social Classes "Maharlika (Nobility)" : 10 "Timawa (Freemen)" : 30 "Aliping Namamahay (Serfs)" : 45 "Aliping Saguiguilid (Slaves)" : 15
Type
mermaid_pie
Description
Distribution of social classes in pre-Spanish barangay society
Early Filipino Laws and Legal System
Pre-colonial Filipinos had sophisticated legal systems that combined formal written codes with traditional cultural practices and customs passed down through generations.
Notes
Note that some historians debate the authenticity of the Kalantiaw Code
Topic
Pre-Spanish Legal System
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S4
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mermaid
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4
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart LR A[Early Filipino Laws] --> B[Written Laws] A --> C[Unwritten Laws] B --> D[Maragtas Code 1250] B --> E[Kalantiaw Code 1433] C --> F[Cultural Traditions] C --> G[Ancestral Customs] H[Datu] --> I[Ultimate Judge] D --> I E --> I F --> I
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Structure of early Filipino legal system showing written codes and cultural traditions
Spanish Colonial Government Structure
The Spanish colonial system transformed the decentralized barangay system into a unified, centralized government structure that extended Spanish authority throughout the archipelago.
Notes
Emphasize the centralized nature contrasting with pre-Spanish decentralization
Topic
Spanish Colonial Administration
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S5
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mermaid
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5
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flowchart TD A[Spanish Crown] --> B[Council of Indies] B --> C[Governor-General] C --> D[Provincial Gobernador] D --> E[Town Gobernadorcillo] E --> F[Barangay Capitan] G[Board of Authorities] --> C H[Council of Administration] --> C I[Royal Audiencia] --> C
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Hierarchical structure of Spanish colonial government from crown to barangay level
Revolutionary Governments (1896-1901)
The revolutionary period saw multiple attempts by Filipinos to establish independent government, culminating in the First Philippine Republic under the Malolos Constitution.
Notes
Highlight the progression from secret society to formal republic
Topic
Revolutionary Period
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S6
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mermaid
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6
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timeline title Revolutionary Governments 1896 : Katipunan Revolution : Andres Bonifacio 1897 : Biak-na-Bato Republic : Emilio Aguinaldo 1898 : Independence Declaration : June 12 1898 : Revolutionary Government : June 23 1899 : First Philippine Republic : Malolos Constitution
Type
mermaid_timeline
Description
Timeline of revolutionary governments during the fight for independence
American Colonial Government (1898-1946)
American colonization introduced democratic governance principles and gradually prepared the Philippines for independence through a systematic transfer of power.
Notes
Emphasize the gradual nature of democratization and independence preparation
Topic
American Colonial Period
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S7
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mermaid
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7
Mermaid Diagram
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stateDiagram-v2 [*] --> Military_Government Military_Government --> Civil_Government : Spooner Amendment 1901 Civil_Government --> Commonwealth : Tydings-McDuffie Act 1934 Commonwealth --> Independence : July 4 1946 Independence --> [*]
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mermaid_stateDiagram
Description
Transition through different phases of American colonial government toward independence
Japanese Occupation (1942-1945)
During World War II, Japan established puppet governments while the legitimate Commonwealth government operated in exile in Washington, demonstrating the complexity of wartime governance.
Notes
Distinguish between legitimate and puppet governments during occupation
Topic
Japanese Occupation
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S8
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mermaid
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8
Mermaid Diagram
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sequenceDiagram participant J as Japan participant PE as Philippine Executive participant JS as Japanese Sponsored Republic participant C as Commonwealth in Exile participant US as United States J->>PE: Establishes Commission 1942 J->>JS: Creates Republic 1943 C->>US: Operates from Washington US->>C: Liberates Philippines 1944 C->>JS: Dissolves Japanese Government 1945
Type
mermaid_sequence
Description
Sequence of events during Japanese occupation showing parallel governments
Third Philippine Republic (1946-1972)
The Third Republic represented the Philippines' first sustained period of independent democratic governance, facing challenges of nation-building and economic development.
Notes
Focus on peaceful transitions and democratic processes until Marcos era
Topic
Early Independence Period
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S9
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mermaid
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9
Mermaid Diagram
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timeline title Third Republic Presidents 1946 : Manuel Roxas : Independence 1948 : Elpidio Quirino : Roxas death 1953 : Ramon Magsaysay : Popular leader 1957 : Carlos Garcia : Plane crash succession 1961 : Diosdado Macapagal : Economic reforms 1965 : Ferdinand Marcos : New leadership
Type
mermaid_timeline
Description
Presidential succession during the early years of Philippine independence
Marcos Era and Martial Law (1965-1986)
The Marcos era marked a dramatic departure from democratic governance, with martial law concentrating power in the executive and suspending constitutional rights for over a decade.
Notes
Emphasize the authoritarian nature and eventual popular resistance
Topic
Marcos Dictatorship
Slide Id
S10
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mermaid
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10
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart TD A[Marcos Presidency 1965] --> B[Reelection 1969] B --> C[Martial Law 1972] C --> D[1973 Constitution] C --> E[Congress Abolished] C --> F[Opposition Suppressed] D --> G[Presidential Decrees] E --> H[Batasang Pambansa] I[Economic Crisis] --> J[EDSA Revolution 1986] F --> J G --> J
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mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flow of events during Marcos era showing concentration of power and eventual downfall
EDSA Revolution and Democratic Restoration
The EDSA Revolution demonstrated the Filipino people's commitment to democracy, leading to the restoration of democratic institutions and the current constitutional framework.
Notes
Highlight the peaceful nature and international significance of EDSA
Topic
Democratic Restoration
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S11
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mermaid
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11
Mermaid Diagram
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sequenceDiagram participant P as People participant M as Military participant Ma as Marcos participant A as Aquino P->>P: Snap Election Fraud 1986 P->>M: EDSA Protest Feb 22-25 M->>A: Military Support P->>Ma: Demand Resignation Ma->>Ma: Flees to Hawaii A->>A: Sworn as President A->>P: Freedom Constitution A->>P: New Constitution 1987
Type
mermaid_sequence
Description
Sequence of events during EDSA Revolution showing people power in action
Post-EDSA Presidents and Modern Philippines
The post-EDSA period has seen regular democratic elections and peaceful transitions of power, though with various challenges including corruption, economic inequality, and political dynasties.
Notes
Focus on democratic continuity despite various political crises
Topic
Modern Philippine Politics
Slide Id
S12
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none
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12
Mermaid Diagram
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none
Political Science: Definition and Scope
Political Science provides the theoretical framework for understanding how governments operate, why political systems develop as they do, and how citizens relate to their state institutions.
Notes
Emphasize the scientific and systematic nature of political study
Topic
Political Science Introduction
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S13
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13
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mindmap root((Political Science)) State Theory Elements of State Origin Theories Functions Government Forms Systems Operations Politics Elections Parties Policy Making Administration Public Service Bureaucracy Governance
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mermaid_mindmap
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Major areas of study within Political Science discipline
The State: Concept and Elements
The state is a fundamental political unit that must possess all four elements to be considered a complete state. Each element is necessary and interdependent with the others.
Notes
Emphasize that all four elements must be present for a complete state
Topic
Elements of the State
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S14
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mermaid
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14
Mermaid Diagram
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pie title Elements of the State "People" : 25 "Territory" : 25 "Government" : 25 "Sovereignty" : 25
Type
mermaid_pie
Description
Four essential elements of a state showing their equal importance
Origin Theories of the State
Different theories attempt to explain how states originated, with each providing insights into the relationship between rulers and the governed, and the legitimacy of political authority.
Notes
Social Contract Theory is most relevant to democratic systems like the Philippines
Topic
State Origin Theories
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S15
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mermaid
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15
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart LR A[Origin of State] --> B[Divine Right Theory] A --> C[Force Theory] A --> D[Paternalistic Theory] A --> E[Social Contract Theory] B --> F[God Ordained Rule] C --> G[Conquest and Might] D --> H[Family Expansion] E --> I[People's Agreement] E --> J[Right to Revolt]
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mermaid_flowchart
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Four major theories explaining the origin of states and their core principles
Functions of Government
Government functions are divided into those absolutely necessary for state existence (constituent) and those that enhance societal welfare (ministrant), helping prioritize resource allocation.
Notes
Constituent functions are mandatory; ministrant functions depend on resources and policy priorities
Topic
Government Functions
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S16
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mermaid
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16
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flowchart TD A[Government Functions] --> B[Constituent Functions] A --> C[Ministrant Functions] B --> D[Public Order] B --> E[Justice Administration] B --> F[National Defense] B --> G[Legal Relations] C --> H[Public Education] C --> I[Health Services] C --> J[Public Works] C --> K[Social Welfare]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Classification of government functions into constituent and ministrant categories
Forms of Government Classification
Governments can be classified using various criteria, helping us understand different political systems and their characteristics. The Philippines combines several forms in its current system.
Notes
Understanding these classifications helps analyze any political system's characteristics
Topic
Government Classifications
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S17
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mermaid
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17
Mermaid Diagram
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mindmap root((Government Forms)) By Rulers Monarchy Absolute Limited Aristocracy Democracy Direct Representative By Power Unitary Federal By Relations Parliamentary Presidential By Legitimacy De Jure De Facto
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Classification of government forms using different criteria
State vs Nation vs Government
These three concepts are often confused but have distinct meanings. Understanding their differences is crucial for political analysis and constitutional law.
Notes
This distinction is fundamental to understanding political science and constitutional law
Topic
Political Concepts Distinction
Slide Id
S18
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mermaid
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18
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart LR A[Political Concepts] --> B[State] A --> C[Nation] A --> D[Government] B --> E[Political Entity] B --> F[Four Elements] B --> G[Permanent] C --> H[Cultural Entity] C --> I[Common Heritage] C --> J[May Lack Independence] D --> K[State Instrument] D --> L[Temporary] D --> M[Changes with Elections]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Distinction between state, nation, and government concepts
References
- Civil Service 3rd Edition - General Information
- 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines
- Philippine Political History Sources
- Political Science Textbooks for Civil Service Examination
In summary
Philippine history demonstrates the evolution from decentralized barangay governance to centralized Spanish colonialism, American democratic introduction, and finally to independent republican government. This historical progression shows how political systems adapt to changing circumstances while political science provides the theoretical framework for understanding these transformations. Key takeaways include: the importance of the four elements of state, the distinction between constituent and ministrant government functions, various forms of government classification, and the differences between state, nation, and government. Understanding these concepts is essential for Civil Service Examination success and effective public service in the Philippine context.
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