Philippine Constitution - Flashcards
Master the fundamentals of the Philippine Constitution with these comprehensive flashcards. These cards cover the three branches of government, constitutional commissions, citizenship, inherent powers of the state, and key provisions essential for UPCAT and other Philippine entrance examinations.
Flashcards
What are the three main branches of the Philippine government according to the Constitution?
Answer
The three main branches are: (1) Legislative Branch - makes laws, (2) Executive Branch - implements and enforces laws, and (3) Judicial Branch - interprets laws and administers justice. This separation of powers ensures checks and balances in government.
Supreme Court composition
Answer
The Supreme Court is composed of 1 Chief Justice and 14 Associate Justices, for a total of 15 justices. It is vested with judicial power and serves as the highest court in the Philippines, with final authority on constitutional matters.
What is the term of office for the President and Vice-President of the Philippines?
Answer
The President and Vice-President serve for 6 years with no reelection. This single-term limit was established to prevent the concentration of power and ensure regular peaceful transitions of leadership.
Commander-in-Chief
Answer
The President of the Philippines serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). This role gives the President supreme command over all military forces and authority over national defense matters.
Describe the composition of the Philippine Congress.
Answer
Congress is bicameral, composed of: (1) Senate - 24 senators serving 6-year terms, and (2) House of Representatives - 297 seats total with 238 district representatives and 59 party-list representatives serving 3-year terms. The law mandates one party-list for every four district representatives.
Which chamber of Congress has the exclusive power to initiate impeachment cases?
Answer
The House of Representatives has the exclusive power to initiate all cases of impeachment. This means all impeachment proceedings against the President, Vice-President, justices of the Supreme Court, and other impeachable officials must begin in the House of Representatives.
Power of Taxation
Answer
The power of the State to impose a charge or burden on persons, properties, and property rights for the purpose of raising revenues to protect the people and extend public projects and services. This is one of the three inherent powers of the state.
Power of Eminent Domain
Answer
The power of the State to take private properties for public use upon payment of just compensation. This allows the government to acquire private land for roads, schools, hospitals, and other public infrastructure projects, provided fair compensation is given to property owners.
Police Power
Answer
The power of the State to promote public welfare by restraining the use of both liberty and property of all people. This includes regulations for public health, safety, morals, and general welfare, such as traffic laws, building codes, and health regulations.
What institutions are exempted from real property tax?
Answer
Religious and charitable institutions are exempted from real property tax, provided that the lands, buildings, or improvements are actually, directly, and exclusively used for religious, charitable, or educational purposes. The use must be exclusive and not for profit.
How can Congress declare a state of war?
Answer
Congress can declare a state of war by a vote of two-thirds of both Houses (Senate and House of Representatives) in a joint session assembled, voting separately. This high threshold ensures that the decision to go to war requires broad consensus.
Preamble of the Constitution
Answer
The Preamble introduces the constitution and establishes the people as the source of sovereignty. It follows the pattern of past constitutions and includes an appeal to God, reflecting Filipino values and the democratic foundation of the government.
Article III - Bill of Rights
Answer
Article III enumerates specific protections against the abuse of state power. It guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms such as due process, equal protection, freedom of speech, religion, and the press, protecting citizens from government overreach.
Compare natural-born citizens and naturalized citizens.
Answer
Natural-born citizens are those who are citizens from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect Philippine citizenship. Naturalized citizens are those who acquire citizenship through legal processes after birth, such as through naturalization proceedings or marriage to a Filipino citizen.
What are the three Constitutional Commissions?
Answer
The three independent Constitutional Commissions are: (1) Civil Service Commission - governs the civil service system, (2) Commission on Elections (COMELEC) - supervises elections, and (3) Commission on Audit (COA) - audits government funds and expenditures.
Suffrage
Answer
Suffrage is the right and obligation of all citizens who are at least 18 years of age and qualified by law to vote in elections of national and local officials. It is exercised without literacy, property, or other substantive requirements, ensuring universal adult suffrage.
A religious organization wants to claim tax exemption for their property. What conditions must they meet?
Answer
The religious organization must prove that their lands, buildings, or improvements are actually, directly, and exclusively used for religious, charitable, or educational purposes. The use must be exclusive - no commercial or profit-making activities can occur on the property.
Why does the Constitution establish separation of powers among the three branches?
Answer
Separation of powers establishes a system of checks and balances to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful. Each branch has distinct functions and can limit the others' actions, protecting democracy and preventing tyranny while ensuring effective governance.
What is the significance of the party-list system in the House of Representatives?
Answer
The party-list system ensures representation of marginalized sectors and provides a voice for groups that might not win in district elections. With 59 party-list seats and the rule of one party-list for every four district representatives, it promotes inclusive representation and sectoral participation in legislation.
How do the three inherent powers of the state work together in governance?
Answer
The three inherent powers work synergistically: Police Power regulates behavior for public welfare, Power of Taxation generates revenue to fund government services and programs, and Power of Eminent Domain enables acquisition of property for public projects. Together, they enable the state to fulfill its obligations to citizens while maintaining order and promoting development.
Diagrams
Philippine Constitution Overview
A comprehensive mind map showing the major components and structure of the Philippine Constitution, including the three branches of government, inherent powers of the state, and key constitutional provisions.
Declaration of War Process
Flowchart illustrating the constitutional process for declaring a state of war, showing the requirement for two-thirds majority vote from both houses of Congress voting separately in joint session.