Comparative Government and Politics - broad term encompassing any form of

political organization or system, regardless of

Lesson 1: Scope of Politics and how power is structured or exercised.
Government - ruled by many

Definition of Politics: Corrupt Forms: Rule in the interest of

 “Politics is the art of looking for trouble” selves
– Ernest Benn 1. Tyranny
 “Politics is a power struggle which - form of government in which a single ruler
determines ‘who gets what, when, how’ or a small group wields absolute power
– Harold Laswell without the consent of the governed, often
 “Politics is a conflict resolution characterized by oppressive and unjust rule.
mechanism” – Bernard Crick - power is always absolute and oppressive
 “Politics is a social activity” - legitimacy often gained through forced or
– Hannah Arednt coercion
 “Art of Government” – Harry Truman - viewed as illegal and oppressive
 “Humans were political animal” – - ruled by one
Aristotle 2. Oligarchy
- Form of government in which power is
Definition of Government concentrated in the hands of a small group of
individuals or families.
- A government is an institution or a system - Often characterized by self-serving interests
made of a group of people that takes care or rather than commitment to the common good.
manages a state. - Derived from wealth, military power, or
Role of Government – prime duty is to serve political influence.
and protect the people — Article II: - Ruled by few
Declaration of Principles and State Policies
Section 4. 3. Democracy
- Ensuring Safety - A specific type of polity that emphasizes rule
- Make effective legislation by the people, political equality, and
- Uphold fair court justice system participation in governance.
- Provide civic amenities and build - ruled by many
infrastructure for the social welfare, health,
and development of its people. Modern Classification of Government
- Provide livelihood opportunities
A. Number of people who hold power
Classification of Government - Monarchy can be absolute (monarch hold
all the power of the state or constitutional
Legitimate Forms: Rule in the interest of (the power of the monarch is limited by the
all constitution)

1. Monarchy - Democracy can be divided into two. Direct

- A form of government where a single democracy is when the people directly take
individual, the monarch (king, queen, or part on the decision making process of the
emperor) serves as the head of the state government. Representative or Republican
Democracy where people elect their
- Power can be absolute or constitutional
- legitimacy of rule derives from tradition or representative that will exercise their part on
hereditary decision.

B. Division of power between national and

2. Aristocracy
local government
- form of government in which power is held
by a privileged class, typically those
considered the best or most qualified, often - Unitary government is a type of government
based on nobility, education, or social status. where power is centralized on the national
government.
- basis of power is derived from noble lineage
or perceived merit.
- limited to those noble class or elite - Federal Government divides the power of
- ruled by few the government between the national
government and different local units.
3. Polity
C. Relationship of Executive to Legislative
Department
 - Actively participate in the political process by
- Presidential Government: The chief voting in elections.
executive is constitutionally independent to - They can run for office, participate in
legislative body. political parties, and engage in public debates.
- Citizens have rights to free speech,
- Parliamentary the real executive (Prime assembly, and protest.
Minister and his cabinet/ministry) is
immediately and legally part of legislative 2. Constitutional Monarchy/ Parliamentary
department. - Citizens vote for elected officials who have
legislative power, while the monarch has
limited ceremonial powers.
LESSON 2: TYPES OF GOVERNMENT - They can participate in elections and
engage in political discourse.
State – refers to a sovereign political entity - Citizens have very limited or no role in the
with its own government, geographical area, government decisions, as power is
and recognition from other states. concentrated in the hands of the monarch.

Nation – a group of people who share a 3. Absolute Monarchy

common identity, cultural heritage, or history, - Citizens have very limited or no role in
but may not have political sovereignty or government decisions, as power is concentrate
defined territorial boundaries. in the hands of the monarch.
- Their involvement in politics is usually
Elements of the State: restricted, with no voting rights or
1. Population (citizens) participation in decision-making.
2. Territory (defined boundary of the state)
3. Government (institution/group of people 4. Oligarchy
that make and enforce policies) - A small group of elites hold power, limiting
4. Sovereignty (ability of the state to rule its the role of ordinary citizens in decision-
own without interference from other coutries) making.
- Citizens may have some rights, but political
Power – capacity to influence or control people influence is largely restricted to the ruling
and events. elite.
- Public participation in government is
Sources of power: minimal.
1. Force (coercive power)
2. Wealth (reward power) 5. Dictatorship
3. Knowledge (expert power) - Citizens have little to no participation in the
4. Popularity (referent support owner) government affairs.
- Political opposition is often suppressed, and
Authority – legitimate use of power or right of there are severe restrictions on free speech
an individual or group to influence or and assembly.
command thought, opinion, or behavior. - Elections, if held, are often controlled or
manipulated.
Types of Authority (Max Weber)
1. Traditional Authority – leaders have 6. Theocracy
inherent use of power. - Citizens may have a limited role, with
2. Charismatic Authority – leader’s power religious leaders or institutions guiding the
and influence come from their exceptional government.
personal qualities and charisma. - Participation is often shaped by religious
3. Legal-Rational – leaders can influence laws or principles.
other because they are mandated through - Citizens’ have political rights may depend on
legal procedure. their religious affiliations or adherence.

Note: Political Legitimacy refers to the SUMMARY:

recognition and acceptance of the right of a - State as a legal concept; Nation as cultural
government or political regime to exercise concept
power and authority over its people. - Political legitimacy relies heavily on the
power and authority of the rulers.
Role of Citizens in Government - In a non-restrictive country, people (citizens)
are participatory member of the political
1. Republic community.
 republican state government by the rule of
law.
7. Government through suffrage (right to
vote)
8. Sanctity of Family Life – The constitution
LESSON 3: recognizes the importance family life and its
protection by the State.
1. Constitution – The supreme law of the 9. Renunciation War – The Philippines
land. It provides the fundamental legal and renounces war as an instrument of national
organizational framework for a state or policy, promoting peaceful means in resolving
country, setting forth the basic principles, disputes.
rights, and structure of the government. 10. Respect for Human Rights – The
constitution values the dignity of every human
2. Law – A set of rules by a legislative body person and guarantees full respect for human
(such as Congress or Parliament) that governs rights.
specific actions or behaviors in society. Laws
must adhere to the principles set forth by the 1987 CONSTITUTION
Constitution.
Article I: National Territory
3. Presidential Decree – A law-like order - Defines the scope of the Philippines’
issued by the President that carries the force territorial boundaries, including, land, water,
of law, typically when the legislative body is and airspace. It also asserts sovereignty over
not in session or during extraordinary its territory and areas in accordance with
circumstances. international law.

4. Memorandum – An internal directive or Article II: Declaration of Principles and

communication used within government State Policies
agencies or private organizations. It serves to - Sovereignty resides in the people.
clarify, inform, or guide the implementation of - Republicanism and democracy as the form
policies, procedures, or actions within an of government.
organization. - Renunciation of war as an instrument of
policy.
PHILIPPINES CONSTITUIONS - Promotion of human rights, social justice,
1. Constitution of Biak na Bato and equal protection of the law.
2. Malolos Constitution (1899) - Prioritization of education, health, and
3. 1935 Constitution environment conservation.
4. 1943 Constitution - Promotion of self-reliance and economic
5. 1973 Constitution development.
6. 1987 Constitution
Article III: Bill of Rights
3 Branches of the Government - Enumerates the fundamental rights and
A. Executive – President and Cabinet Members freedoms guaranteed to all individual.
B. Legislative – Senators and Congress 1. Right to life, liberty, and property.
C. Judiciary – Chief of Justice 2. Freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.
3. Due process and equal protection of the
Fundamentals Principles of Constitution law.
4. Protection from unlawful search and
1. Preamble – The aspirational statement of arrest, as well as the rights of the accused.
values and vision for the Filipino people.
2. Separation of Powers – Executive, Article IV: Citizenship
Legislative, Judiciary as co-equal branches 1. Defines Filipinos citizenship by birth or
with specific powers and check on each other. naturalization.
3. Checks and Balances – Mechanisms in A. Jus Soli – birth by land
place to ensure no single branch of B. Jus Sanguinis – right of blood
government becomes too powerful. 2. Outlines who are natural-born citizens and
4. Separation of Church and State provides rules on citizenship loss and
5. Sovereignty of the People – Sovereignty reacquisition.
resides in the people, and all government
authority emanates from them. Article V: Suffrage
6. Democratic and Republican State – The Qualifications:
Philippines is established as a democratic and - Citizen of the Philippines
- At least 18 years old
- Have resided in the Philippines for at least 1 - Defines the powers and jurisdiction of courts
year and at least 6 months. and the protection of judicial independence.
- Not disqualified by law.
QUALIFICATIONS (MEMBER OF JUDICIARY)
Article VI: Legislative Department • natural born citizen in the Philippines
1. Establishes a bicameral Congress • at least 40 years of age
composed of the Senate and the House of • has been engaged in the practice of law in
Representatives. the Philippines or has held office requiring
2. Senators serve for six years; admission to the bar as a prerequisite for at
Representatives serve for three years. least ten years
3. Powers include law-making, repeal of law,
and budget appropriation. Article IX: Constitutional Commissions
Creates three independent constitutional
QUALIFICATIONS (SENATORS) bodies:
• Natural born citizen in the Philippines - Civil Service Commission (CSC): Ensures
• At least 35 years of age on the day of the a merit based system in government
election employment.
• Able to read and write - Commission on Elections (COMELEC):
• Registered voter Oversees the conduct of fair and credible
• Resident of the Philippines for not less than elections.
2 years immediately preceding the day of the - Commission on Audit (COA): Audits and
election ensures the accountability of public funds.

QUALIFICATIONS (MEMBER OF THE HOUSE Article X: Local Government

OF REPRESENTATIVES)
• Natural born citizen in the Philippines QUALIFICATIONS (OFFICIALS IN LGU)
• At least 25 years of age on the day of the • natural born citizen in the Philippines
election • at least 21 years of age on the day of the
• Able to read and write election
• Registered voter • able to read and write
• Resident of the Philippines for not less than • registered voter
1 year immediately preceding the day of the • resident of of the district, municipality, city
election. or province where he proposes to be elected
for at least 6 months
Article VII: The Executive Department
- Establishes the powers and responsibilities Article XI: Accountability of Public Officers
of the President and Vice President. Establishes mechanisms for the
- The President serves a six-year term with no accountability of public officers.
re-election. 1. Defines impeachment processes -
- Defines the executive powers, including President, Vice President, Justices,
military command, treaty-making, and Constitutional Commission, Ombudsman
appointments. - Culpable violation of the Constitution, Graft
and corruption, Treason, Bribery, Betrayal of
QUALIFICATIONS (PRESIDENT AND VICE public trust, other high crimes
PRESIDENT)
• natural born citizen in the Philippines Article XII: National Economy and
• at least 40 years of age on the day of the Patrimony
election 1. Prioritizes Filipino economic
• able to read and write participation in national resources and
• registered voter industries.
• resident of the Philippines for not less than 2. Foreign investments are regulated to
10 years immediately preceding the day of the ensure national security.
election 3. Provides guidelines for land ownership,
natural resource utilization, and
Article VIII: The Judicial Department industrialization.
- Outlines the structure of the judiciary,
headed by the Supreme Court. Article XIII: Social Justice and Human
- Establishes judicial review, allowing courts Rights
to declare laws or executive actions 1. Focuses on social justice reforms,
unconstitutional. especially in land reform, labor rights, and
health services.
2. Provides for the promotion of equal
opportunities for all citizens and the
protection of marginalized groups.

Article XIV: Education, Science and

Technology, Arts, Culture, and Sports
1. Mandates the State to promote
education, cultural heritage, science and
technology, and sports development.
2. Guarantees free public education at the
elementary and secondary levels.
3. Encourages the study of the Constitution
and civic education in schools.

Article XV: The Family

1. Declares the family as the basic
autonomous social institution.
2. Ensures the protection of family rights,
marriage, and the welfare of children.
3. Advocates for the equality of men and
women in family decisions.

Article XVI: General Provisions

Contains various provisions including:
1. Civil Service regulations.
2. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
structure and civilian authority over the
military.
3. Maintenance of public order, protection of
natural resources, and the flag and national
anthem.

Article XVII: Amendments or Revisions

Article XVIII: Transitory Provisions