Philippine History & Political Science - Flashcards
Master the essential concepts of Philippine History and Political Science with these comprehensive flashcards. From pre-colonial barangays to modern government structures, these cards cover key historical periods, political theories, and governmental concepts essential for CSE Professional exams.
Flashcards
What were the four social classes in pre-Spanish barangays?
Answer
- Maharlika (nobility) - the ruling class with special privileges
- Timawa (freemen) - free citizens who could own property
- Aliping namamahay (serfs) - bound to serve but could own property
- Aliping saguiguilid (slaves) - owned by their masters with no property rights
Who was the first Spanish Governor-General and who was the last?
Answer
First: Miguel Lopez de Legaspi (1565) - established Spanish colonial rule and founded the first Spanish settlements
Last: Gen. Diego de los Rios (1898) - oversaw the end of Spanish rule during the Spanish-American War
Explain the difference between the Dictatorial Government and Revolutionary Government established by Aguinaldo.
Answer
Dictatorial Government (May 24, 1898): Established after Spanish-American War outbreak, focused on immediate independence declaration on June 12, 1898
Revolutionary Government (June 23, 1898): Replaced dictatorial government, aimed to struggle for independence recognition by all nations and prepare for republic establishment
What are the four essential elements of a state?
Answer
- People - inhabitants of the state
- Territory - fixed portion of earth's surface occupied by the people
- Government - agency through which state's will is formulated and realized
- Sovereignty - supreme power to enforce will within jurisdiction and freedom from foreign control
Describe the three types of American government in the Philippines.
Answer
- Military Government (1898-1901): Led by military governors during wartime with complete executive, legislative, judicial powers
- Civil Government (1901-1935): Headed by Civil Governor/Governor-General with Philippine Commission as legislature
- Commonwealth Government (1935-1946): Transition period under Tydings-McDuffie Law preparing for independence
What was the Katipunan and who founded it?
Answer
The Katipunan was a secret society founded by Andres Bonifacio that initiated the Philippine revolution against Spain on August 26, 1896. It had a hierarchical structure with the Supreme Council (Kataastaasang Sanggunian) as central government, provincial councils, and popular councils at town level.
Compare De Jure and De Facto governments.
Answer
De Jure Government: Has general support of people, founded on existing constitution and laws of the state - legally recognized
De Facto Government: Not founded on existing constitution and laws but exercises actual control - may lack legal basis but has effective power
What were the two known written laws in pre-Spanish Philippines?
Answer
- Maragtas Code - written by Datu Sumakwel in AD 1250 in Panay
- Kalantiaw Code - written by Datu Kalantiaw in AD 1433 in Panay
Both were legal codes that governed their respective territories alongside unwritten laws embedded in Filipino culture.
Explain the difference between Parliamentary and Presidential systems.
Answer
Parliamentary System: Legislature can terminate executive's tenure; cabinet is immediately responsible to legislature and politically responsible to electorate
Presidential System: Executive is independent of legislature in tenure, policies, and acts; president is directly elected by people
What was the EDSA People Power Revolution and when did it occur?
Answer
The EDSA People Power Revolution (February 22-25, 1986) was a peaceful uprising that led to the downfall of Ferdinand Marcos' 20-year presidency. It resulted from widespread protests against electoral fraud in the snap election, leading to Corazon Aquino's assumption of the presidency.
What are constituent functions of government? Give examples.
Answer
Constituent functions are compulsory functions that constitute the bond of society:
- Keeping order and protecting persons/property
- Fixing legal relations (marriage, parent-child)
- Regulating property rights and transmission
- Determining contractual rights
- Defining and punishing crimes
- Administering justice
- Determining political duties and privileges
- Foreign relations and national defense
Who was the first President of the First Philippine Republic?
Answer
General Emilio Aguinaldo was the first President of the First Philippine Republic, established under the Malolos Constitution. He was inaugurated on January 23, 1899, though the republic was not recognized by other nations and lasted until March 23, 1901.
Distinguish between a State and a Nation.
Answer
State: Political concept - community with territory, government, sovereignty, and people; always free from foreign control
Nation: Ethnic concept - group bound by common culture believing they are one and distinct; may or may not be independent; one state can have multiple nations or one nation can span multiple states
What was the Japanese-sponsored government during WWII?
Answer
Japanese Military Administration (January 3, 1942) was first established, followed by the Philippine Executive Commission led by Jorge B. Vargas. On October 14, 1943, the Japanese-sponsored Republic of the Philippines was inaugurated with Jose P. Laurel as President. It was dissolved on August 17, 1945.
What are the three theories about the origin of states?
Answer
- Divine Right Theory - state is of Divine creation, ruler ordained by God
- Force/Necessity Theory - states evolved through force by warriors imposing on the weak
- Paternalistic Theory - states originated from family enlargement under paternal authority
- Social Contract Theory (Rousseau) - states formed by voluntary compact for common good
What was the Biak-na-Bato Republic?
Answer
Established by Gen. Aguinaldo on November 1, 1897, in Biak-na-Bato (now San Miguel de Mayumo, Bulacan). It had a constitution effective for two years but lasted only until December 15, 1897, when the Pact of Biak-na-Bato was signed, temporarily ending hostilities with Spain.
Compare Direct Democracy and Representative Democracy.
Answer
Direct/Pure Democracy: Will of the state formulated directly through people in mass meetings or assemblies - citizens participate directly in decision-making
Indirect/Representative/Republican Democracy: Will of state formulated through select representatives chosen by people - citizens elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf
What was Proclamation No. 1081?
Answer
Issued by Ferdinand Marcos, this proclamation placed the entire Philippines under Martial Law before the 1973 Constitution was completed. It abolished Congress, led to imprisonment of opposition leaders, and gave Marcos executive, legislative, and judicial powers, allowing him to rule through Presidential Decrees.
What are ministrant functions of government? Give examples.
Answer
Ministrant functions are optional functions undertaken to advance general societal interests:
- Public works and infrastructure
- Public education systems
- Public charity and welfare
- Health and safety regulations
- Trade and commerce regulations
These functions enhance quality of life but are not essential for state survival.
Who was the first Civil Governor of the Philippines under American rule?
Answer
William Howard Taft served as the first Civil Governor (1901-1903) when the military government ended on July 4, 1901. He also served as President of the Philippine Commission, the sole law-making body from 1901-1916, and later became US President.
What was the significance of the 1987 Constitution?
Answer
Ratified on February 2, 1987, during Corazon Aquino's presidency, it restored democratic government and institutions after the Marcos dictatorship. It was drafted by a 50-member Constitutional Commission and established the framework for the current Philippine government, emphasizing human rights and democratic principles.
Distinguish between Unitary and Federal government systems.
Answer
Unitary Government: Control of national and local affairs exercised by the central/national government - power is centralized
Federal Government: Power divided between two agencies - one for national affairs, one for local affairs - each supreme within its own jurisdiction, allowing shared governance
What was the role of the datu in pre-Spanish barangays?
Answer
The datu was the supreme leader of the barangay, serving as:
- Chief Executive (head of government)
- Law-giver (creator of rules)
- Chief Judge (judicial authority)
- Military head (defense leader)
Assisted by the Council of Elders (Maginoos), the government was monarchical in nature with the datu as monarch.
What was the Treaty of Paris and its significance to the Philippines?
Answer
The Treaty of Paris (1898) ended the Spanish-American War and ceded the Philippines from Spain to the United States. This marked the end of almost four centuries of Spanish colonial rule (1565-1898) and the beginning of American colonial period, fundamentally changing Philippine political structure.
What is Political Science and why is it considered a science?
Answer
Political Science is the systematic study of the state and government. It is considered a science because it:
- Provides basic knowledge and understanding of state principles
- Uses scientific methodologies and strategies
- Studies governmental operations systematically
- Analyzes relations between people and the state using empirical methods
Diagrams
Philippine Political Evolution Timeline
Chronological overview of major political periods in Philippine history from pre-colonial times to modern democracy
Elements and Functions of Government
Comprehensive mind map showing the elements of state, government functions, and various forms of government