POLITICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE

SELF-ASSESSMENT: Create a reflection by reading this article; “In defense of Politics” by: Randy
David - @inquirer.net Philippine Daily Inquirer / 12:27 AM August 16, 2015 (Page 6)
Politics and Government are always perceived as synonyms. Oftentimes, we interchange
its meaning because of our levels of understanding. Hence, we people try to fuse them and
think generally that they’ve huge in common. Personally, I think that they have several
differences not until this article open up a venture of understanding that they’ve thin line that
separates them.
This article ignited a spark of enlightenment for us future public servants. There were so
many things that struck, disturbed and affected me but one lesson in particular that resonated
me the most is this statement “Politics is about people making choices regarding the basic
decision premises (or visions) of government. It begins with the process of choosing the right
persons or parties to whom they entrust the power to make collectively binding decisions”. It’s
very timely and relevant in todays month since election is nearing to it’s finest. It’s an eye open
that we need to choose the leaders that are transparent in all government transaction because
after all the decision is always in their hands to help uplift the welfare of their constituents.
Also, we as the Filipino citizen must be responsible and accountable of who leaders we’re
choosing, not because of vote buying and money matters then you’ll change your court. You
need to look deeper if we’ll suffer or never!
We citizens can make a difference. If we just look meticulously of who are deserving to be
in the government arena then I’m pretty sure that our community will prosper and flourish. It’s
a must to vote wisely perhaps that one vote can change the country. If we choose wise leaders,
they will help make the rest of the society wiser too. Choose wisely!
ENABLING ACTIVITY: PAGE 12
POLITICS POLITICAL SCIENCE
 Constitute man’s activities in the real  Focuses on the theory and practice of
world government
 Relative (varying)  Theory of state and government
 Issues, problems, and activities taking  Practices of elective and non-elective
place in society political systems
 The process by which government
decides which policies will be enacted
 The practice of state and government
 The scientific study of politics
 Study politics, political systems, and
governments
 The process by which people try to
influence the government
MAIN TASK/S: Persuasive Essay (Page 13)
 1. How would you use the concepts in politics to improve relationships with your family and
friends?
 I believe that that cooperation and collaboration are the paramount to sustain a
healthy relationship with your circle of influence. Thus, I’ll uphold that values to avoid
chaos and maintain sturdy connection alive.

2. How is politics practiced in getting what you want?

 In life we have experience and found ourselves in the crossroads of choices and it tested
our claims to justify this. Some of these challenged me to be firm and stick to what I
believed in and I can definitely say that this practice my politics in getting what I want.

REINFORCEMENT TASK/S: Diorama (Page 13)

REFLECTION:

“Political Science won’t exist without Politics”, this simple adage that I made says of what I
learned in this lesson. Politics for me refers to the individual action or collective experiences that you’ve
learned throughout high and lows. Political Science pertains to the concepts and theories needed to
acquire in order for the politician effective and efficient in the government. Politics and Political Science
must intertwined together.

Honestly, before I’m in the verge of perplex when I heard Politics and Political Science. I cannot
distinguish the similarities and differences of these two, little did I know that both of them are necessary
to each other so that we can formulate and come up with a strong policy. Also, these two struck me in
the way that it made me think that Politics exist in everyday basis. Simply because, we always find
ourselves in the position of deciding on certain things and you need to justify your claims in order for
your audience or companion to catch their attention or convince that you have that specific claims.
Without Politics, our decision making won’t be intensify and once that happened, you’ll be easily
deceived by someone. Hence, I even you need Politics.

All of us must unite to break the wheel and work for the prosperous future of our country. We
shouldn’t just rely on the government we have, we shouldn’t keep on blaming and stabbing them. After
all, They are the ones who can make the country progress as they will handle things better.

LESSON 2: POLITICAL POWER

PRE-ACTIVITY: Reflective Writing (Page 15)

1. How would you use your POWER in getting what you want?
 I believed that power isn’t used for inappropriate and illegal things. It simply means
that you have given a bigger responsibility. It doesn’t mean that when you have power
you’ll degrade and look down others. Personally, I would use my power to uplift and
help other people. I’ll be willing to offer my hand, share my blessing to others because
life taught me one thing “Kindness never go out of style.
SELF-ASSESSMENT: Persuasive Essay; “Political Transition and Legitimacy” by: Randy David -
@inquireedornet Philippine Daily Inquirer (Page 15)

Political Transitions and Legitimacy are can be crucial when it comes to politics. Anyone can be a
leader but not everyone can be effective and proficient in politics. It requires dedication and passion to
achieve the welfare of its constituents. Thus, this article gave so many salient points to remember and it
really needs to ponder the political transitions and legitimacy.

I can definitely say that I just have minimal knowledge about politics. It often cross in my mind that
“Elections can be rigged or manipulated in various ways so as to cast doubt on their reliability as the
mirror of the people’s will”. Therefore, winning elections does not always put to rest doubts about
political legitimacy. When I read this comprehensively, I haven’t thought of political legitimacy. All I
know is that election can only be the way to elect official, however, president can call for elections to
shore up the legitimacy of his government. Additionally, you need to improve to everyone that you’re
worthy to be in that position or else you’ll be impeach and dispute.

Therefore, it’s a must for us to always choose are the leader. It’s up to us if we want a good and
bright future. We should weigh and think outside of the box of the how this leader can change the
country for the better.

MAIN TASK/S: Argumentative Writing (Page 22)

1. Are there are some types of power you would never use because you find them ethically
objectionable? If so, what are they? Why do you find them objectionable?
 I would go for the forms of power manipulation and exhange because sometimes
people can easily be manipulated through giving and exchanging incentives. Nowdays,
some people always crave for money and they’ll take risk as long they’ve money in the
pockets. If we just have integrity and honest then we can’t be easily manipulated and
control by someone else.

REINFORCEMENT TASK/S: You can use drawing to illustrate your ideas (Page 23)

1. How does news coverage of the threat of COVID-19 influence your view of power regarding how
power may be used for political purposes?
 Honestly, it really scares me knowing that COVID can kill in a snap of finger. My forms of
power specifically the force (coercion) tested me in several forms. I mean, you’ll be
forced to stay in your home whether you like it not. Government imposed several
preventive measures to combat COVID-19 and you’ll forcedly do this for your
betterment.

REFELCTION: Is force always violent?

Force means strength or energy of body or mind, whereas violence means extreme force. With the
definition itself, it speaks that not all is a violent one but some of them are and we can force another
against their will. Force in itself is not violent. It’s just a force that creates a change in position

In my own points of view, it really depends on person of how he/she perceived that thing. If someone
force him/her that’s against him/her the we can consider that as violent. However, if a person is eager
and willing about forcing then we can’t consider it as a violent. Also, there are some points that force
can be beneficial to person and might be too harsh for someone. Hence, I immensely believed of how
person interpret that force.

But, it’s essential to be cautious of the things that we do. We have differences in interpretation and
perceiving, it might be good for you but for them it’s bad. Let’s just be careful so that we can avoid
chaos and maintain a healthier relationship to each other.

LESSON 2: POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES

PRE-ACTIVITY: Persuasive Essay; “The Politics of Nation-Building” by: Christopher Ryan Maboloc -
@inquirerdotnetPhilippine Daily Inquirer (Page 24)

Politics plays a big role in community’s chaos and conflicts. They can really resolve the conflict
matters and achieved the harmonious relationship with the community. Thus, politicians should set as a
positive and powerful models to his/her constituents so that people could emulate and earned high
respect to his/her people. Moreover, we as a citizens should be keen in electing our leader and we
should foresee if that person is worthy to be in that position. It’s always up to us if we want to have a
progressive and successful community.

This article speaks so much things about politics. It gives an overview of how politicians should be and
what should he/she will embody. As a public official in the future, the line that stuck me the most is the
statement of Apolinario Mabini when said that “the first duty of the government is to interpret the
people’s will faithfully.” We shouldn’t just always keep on promises but rather we should interpret and
make that happen because it’s going to be pointless if we don’t take actions with that you’re
accountable and responsible for that matters. Additionally, we shouldn’t just think of our own good but
we need to be selfless for the welfare of our people.

We as a Filipino, we should love our country as well our countrymen. If we don’t help one another, we
can’t achieve the progressive community. We should also be a good citizen because our leaders will just
guide and scaffolds us. They’re just there to offer a hand to help and make projects to resolve the
concerns of the people. We shouldn’t put all the blames to them, we must be law-abiding citizens.

Enabling Activity: Do you think that TIME, CLASS AND CRISIS are factors that may produce, share and
reshape ideologies? (Page 26)

I strongly believe YES. If the with the growing and advancement of technology where information are
everywhere, your ideologies will also be reshape. There are tantamount of information that we can see
on online platforms some of these can slap us with reality of even deceive from factual. Change is
constant. Thus, ideologies can be reshape to time, class and crisis.

Main Task: Argumentative Writing; “The Ideology of Duterte” by: Emmanuel Tiu Santos -
@inquirerdotnetPhilippines Daily Inquirer/ 12:20 AM September 23, 2016 (Page 25)

The Duterte administration has achieved some successes that many Filipino appreciate, but it has also
done very badly in some other ways. Perhaps, some people wouldn’t like his administration due to the
fact that he can’t filter his word and utter foul words that people interpret as profane and obscenity.
President Duterte suppresses dissent and not tolerating criticism because of his ideologies and stands.
 I really commend the braver of our President when he combat the war on drugs and the anti
corruption policy. This policy highlights who are liars and not deserving leaders who sits in that position.
There are numerous public officials who are caught due to the reasons that he/she exhibits unjust and
unholy leaders. We shouldn’t steal money that’s intended to the people. As a public servant, we should
allocate this money for the benefit of the constituents.

Our country Philippines have so much improvement after the administration of Duterte sat on that
position. The war on drugs and even the anti corruption policy had been intensify. Several persons who
are never expected to be involved in that unethical and unmoral doings have been caught up. We can’t
deny the fact that these personas aren’t deserved to be called as worthy leaders and nor worthy of
emulation. We need leader who can fill up the shoes of Duterte’s ideologies.

Reinforcement Activity: Outline the Philippine political I-D-E-O-L-O-G-Y by using ACROSTIC (Page 27)

I – ntensify the community’s improvement and projects

D- efined goals and programs coherently

E- quality for all constituents and

O- pportunity

L- ove the people and the community as a whole

O- rient people with align projects and programs

G- oals should be put into practice

Y- oung people also have to follow the ideologies

Reflection: Compare and Contrast (Page 27)

Political Ideologies Similarities Differences

Politics The activities of the government It  means the study of the ways
or people who try to influence in which a country is governed
the way a country is governed
Politicians Both of them can also refer to A person who is involved in
the study of the ways in which politics
countries are governed, and of
the ways in which people get
and use power

LESSON 4: STATE, NATION AND GLOBALIZATION

Pre-Activity: In your own words, describe what is a state? How does it differ from a nation? Do all
nations possess their own state? (Page 28)
These words are commonly interchangeable. A nation is a group of people with common characteristics
and has the same cultural beliefs. On the other hand, state means a  a territory with its own institutions
and populations. Thus, I thinks that nation should possess their own state because nation cannot stand
without the presence of state.
 Self-Assessment: (Page 28)
State is a Political
The basic requirement of a Organization while Nation isState is a territorial entity.
nation is the strong bonds of a social, cultural, But for a nation territory is
emotional unity among its psychological, emotional not an essential requirement
people which develop due to and political unity A nation is more
several
Nation common social cultural
is a community stable than the
elements
based on common State. When
ethnicity, history and sovereignty ends,
STATE - the State dies,
traditions and
aspirations. Obviously its NATION but not the
boundaries can easily nation.
extend beyond the
boundaries of the State.

State and nation

do not have the
A State can be created same boundaries,
with the conscious and yet there is a
endeavors of the tendency for a
people. Physical nation and state
elements play an to be one
important role in the State has police power.
birth of a State. Those who dare to
disobey it are punished
by the state. A nation
does not have police
power
Enabling Task: Create a concept map of State – Nation and Globalization on how these 3 are
interconnected. (Page 38)

Globalization both
give them chances Globalization
and challenges, influences the nation-
restructuring state sovereignity
politics and integrity, impact on
economic economic development
penetration. and their national
culture.

State, State-Nation
and Globalization

Media Globalization also

brings benefits to nation-
state because media is the
linking bridge which
connects the nation-state to
other countries.
Main Task: Why are the concepts of legitimacy and sovereignity important to consider when analyzing
nation-state? (Page 38)
Sovereignty is the measute to which the state can do as it likes. The less external presures the more it can
do what benefits the state. The more dependant it is the more it will do the will if superpowers.
Legitimacy is important for 2 reasons:
1. A state requires the the concent of the population to function. If the citazens see the state as
illegitimate they will not cooperate and the state will function less.
2. International legitimacy is required for the state to have relations withs other countries to export
and import whatever they need.
Reinforcement Task: Make a pie chart that represent bonds that create Nation-State

Nationality

Belief in
common
ethnic
ancestry that
may or may
no be true

Language

Different dialects of one

nation or one language as a
“national” language

Territory

A certain territory that

belongs to the ethnic group.

Culture

A shared way of life (food,

dress, behavior, ideals).
Reflection: Is it possible that the natural disaster like COVID-19 can threaten a state's sovereignity?
Personally, I honestly think that YES, a state’s sovereignity can threaten a natural disaster like COVID-19
and they can eventually affect the lives of people generally. We cannot control and contaminate the virus
if we don’t enforce austern and strict policy. We need to understand the power of state to command and
lead us because without them we will he suffering from extreme illness. Hence, it can really threaten the
lives of many as this virus can control us in it’s finest.
Enabling Task: This time you need to list down administrative activities in the Philippine Government
Bay Coastal Clean Up

 In observance of the 19th International Coastal Clean Up day, a battalion of volunteers

numbering to 3705 led by DENR Secretary Michael T. Defensor braved to eradicate the
garbage pile-up of Manila Bay.
 4,490 sacks of garbage were hauled, all alone at the bay walk area with an approximated
weight of 100.8 tons, including other debris along the bay.
 Truckloads of garbage were also hauled by the Manila City government. There were
directly loaded into the city’s dump trucks where it will be properly segregated at the
city’s dump sites.
Source: MBEMP PMO

Partnership of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with the Non-
Government Organizations in the Protection and Management of Marine Environment

 The 101st Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (101st PCGA) and the Manila Yacht Club (MYC)
entered partnership with the DENR through its Manila Bay Environmental Management Project
(MBEMP) in undertaking activities relevant to the protection and management of Manila Bay
region. This a welcomed proposal in promoting the objectives of the Regional Programme’s
“Building Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia” which identified
Manila Bay of the Philippines as one of the “pollution hotspots” in the East Asian region.
Source: MBEMP PMO

Philippine Marathon for the Pasig River Month

The Annual Pasig River Heritage Marathon, an environmental advocacy program which pushes for the
sustained rehabilitation of the Pasig River was launched. The marathon is now recognized as an
international event after being accredited by the US based Association of Athletic Federation (IAAF) and
the Association of Marathons and Road Races (AIMS) which took effect last August 2004.

Their debut and first international staging of said marathon is now called “Philippine Marathon for the
Pasig River” (PMPR) on 27 February 2005. PMPR is now included in the official year of official
schedules of marathons in the world with race results internationally recognized and accepted.
Source: Clean and Green Foundation
Kontra Kalat sa Dagat

 Since the first Kontra Kalat sa Dagat on 18 September 1999, the coastal cleanup has become a
continuing activity for the people of Bataan, most of whom are volunteers from various sectors.
To date, the campaign has been conducted in all Bataan’s eleven coastal towns.
 Days before the event, streamers are put up in town halls announcing the activity. During one
particular cleanup, the film “Muro Ami,” a locally produced movie on illegal fishing, was shown
in four towns as a buildup activity. The movie made people aware of the dangers of illegal
fishing and the value of marine resources. It also attracted more volunteers to join the cleanup.
Source: Tropical Coast, Vol. 8 No. 2 December 2001
Main Task: Do you think bureaucracy may hinder the creative thought of employee’s decision making?
Yes, I personally believed that the decision-making hinders the creative though of the employee’s
because we’re often in control of our higher officials. Whatever decisions that we make it always lies
within our state officials and that’s beyond our control. At the end of the day, they’re decisios of the
officials are always final and irrevocable. Thus, we can’t dictate their decisions.
Reinforcement Activity: Name the three branches of Government and describe each briefly

 Legislative—Makes laws (Congress, comprised of the House of Representatives and Senate)

 Executive—Carries out laws (president, vice president, Cabinet, most federal agencies)
 Judicial—Evaluates laws (Supreme Court and other courts)
Reflection: What do you think is the function of administration in Philippine Government?
If I hear the administration, it really takes so much duties and responsibilities. We can't really
enumerate the functions of administration in the Philippine Government as the role of these are piled and
lined up. Hence, it take a village to raise the effective and efficient administration.
Personally, I stand with these statements that the role of the administration in the government are eyed
on the community’s problems and adversities that needs to be addressed. It really needs to be executed
and put into action. It’s not in a form if context but in application as well. Additionally, it decentralizes &
makes operations transparent. Administration always listen and works with people. Easy as it may sound
but there are numerous administration failed to do their functions.
As a public servant, we need to keep this in mind so that we won’t lose our grip in the reality. We should
put this in our core and be knowledgeable with this functions because this will guide and scaffolds us in
the future.

Pre-Activity: List down as may activities that you think about administration (Page 40)
On the role of public administration, it will address such areas as sustained economic growth, the
promotion of social development, facilitating infrastructure development and protecting the environment,
promoting public- private partnerships, managing development programmes and maintaining a legal
framework. Today public administration is often regarded as including also some responsibility for
determining the policies and programs of governments. Specifically, it is the planning, organizing,
directing, coordinating, and controlling of government operations.
Self-Assessment: Of the activities that you have listed down, what do you think are the basic skills
necessary to be a good administrator? (Page 40)
I think the most important skill of a good administrator that he/she needs to embody is the self-
awareness. He/she needs to be aware of the duties and responsibilities. If so, there will be a smooth-
sailing administration. Also, he/she needs to have a critical-thinking skills into action. But most
importantly, always prioriizies the welfare of its constituents.
Pre-Activity: In your point of view, rank each government from most favorable to least favorable forms
of government (Page 44)

1 Republic
2 Direct Democracy
3 Bureaucracy
4 Representative Democracy
5 Dictatorship
6 Anarchy
7 Monarchy
8 Theocracy
9 Totalitarian

Self-Assessment: Do you think that dictatorship form of government is better off that representative
democracy form of government? (Page 44)
Living in a democratic country, I would say that representative democracy is better than the
dictatorship. Democracy allows people to make choices and have liberty and freedom to do what they
want. Whereas, in dictatorship, you can’t make choices on your own since you have dictator to follow.
Honestly, it’s hard to move forward when someone takes control on you and it seems like you’re in a
tunnel that you’re guarded with numerous soldiers around you and you can’t barely move. One thing
more, it’s hard to move when you’re not in the position to make personal choice. Hence, I believe that
with democracy we have the freedom to enjoy and do want we want.

Enabling Task: Do you think that decentralization can help cut complex bureaucratic procedures and
increase government officials sensitivity to local conditions and needs? (Page 48)
I think, yes. Decentralization can really help to increase the government officials sensitivity to local
conditions and needs. President can’t really stand alone without the government officials. He/she need to
distribute responsibilities to the government officials so that the programs and projects will be
established. It can really help to cut complex since there will be number of hand will be involved and if
everyone will do his/her responsibility then succeee will thrive to its finest.
Main Tasks: To your best consideration, how does political situation affects the status of Philippine
healthcare system? (Page 48)
 COVID-19 really wrecked-havoc the healtcare system of the country. I must say that there are several
strategies and techniques implemented due to the health crisis. It really affect the healthcare system in a
way that government should allocate budget if there are insufficient beds and oxygen of the people. They
really need to go beyond deeper of what technique they to do in order for us to avoid local transmission.
Everyone was cemented their eyes on the government since majority of us are depended on them.