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Introduction to politics and governance
- 1. OVERVIEW GRADING SYSTEM Written Works – 25% Performance Tasks – 50% Quarterly Assessment – 25% Main Reference: Philippine Politics and Governance by A.E. Joven, PhD (2017) For more learning resources, subscribe to K-12 Study Club at youtube.com. If you have questions or inquiries, send me a PM at facebook.com/sura.amilbahar 1 COURSE OBJECTIVE This course introduces the students to the basic concepts and vital elements of politics and governance from a historical- institutional perspective.
- 2. PHILIPPINE POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE Instructor: SURA J. AMILBAHAR
- 3. Introduction to Politics and Governance 3 1
- 4. Chapter Objectives: ▰ Explain the concept and relationship of politics and governance, and ▰ Understand the importance of politics, governance and government. 4
- 5. 5
- 6. Politics ▰ Process that determines the distribution of power and resources. ▰ Theory and practice of how people influence others in making decisions and carrying out projects or programs. ▰ The creation, maintenance, and amendment of social norms or rules. 6
- 7. BASIC PRINCIPLES OF POLITICS Order, Power, Justice 7
- 8. ORDER ▰ central to the study of politics because it shows different components of human society. 8 a. Community - is one kind of social order which refers to the association of individual who shares a common identity. b. Government - is a higher level of social order that exist primarily for the maintenance and perpetuation of the community. c. State - is the largest social order today and in which the term politics originally derived. Structures of Order
- 9. POWER ▰ The main source of reign of the government. The possession to govern or rule the state. 9 a. Coercive power – through threats, punishment, and force. b. Reward power – ability to give rewards and benefits. c. Expert power – relies on knowledge and skills. d. Legitimate power – position, role, duties in a group. e. Referent power – personality and ability to attract followers. Types of Power According to social psychologists, John French and Bertram Raven.
- 10. POWER 10 a. Charismatic authority – based on personal qualities of the individual who wields power. b. Traditional authority – rooted in traditional values and existing social ties and institutions. c. Legal-rational authority – based on system of laws and regulations, and an established bureaucracy. Classification of Power based on Authority Classification proposed by German sociologist & philosopher, Max Weber.
- 11. POWER AND CITIZENSHIP ▰ Sovereignty resides in the people that compose the state in democratic governments. ▰ The Bill of Rights (Article III, 1987 Philippine Constitution) enumerates rights and privileges guaranteed by the state to its sovereign citizens. 11 SUFFRAGE REFERENDUM PLEBISCITE INITIATIVE POWER REVOLT
- 12. 12 RESPONSIBILITY - Closely tied to OBLIGATION; refers to an action that an individual is required to perform. ACCOUNTABILITY - refers to the acknowledgement of responsibility for an action and its consequences. Legal Responsibilities Moral Responsibilities Responsibility and Accountability
- 13. 13 Abuse of Authority Abuse of Discretion Abuse of Power Ways Power can be Abused Use of authorized power for illegal acts; stepping beyond bounds of authorized actions. Willful disregard for the rules or proper procedure. Misconduct in office; official performs unlawful actions while in office. GRAFT CORRUPTION
- 14. 14 Office of the Ombudsman Sandiganbayan PCGG Commission on Human Rights The Commission on Audit Blue Ribbon Committee Agencies that Ensure Accountability Investigates cases of alleged abuses by public officials and government employees. Hears and decides on cases involving graft and corruption and abuse of power by public officials. Investigates cases of graft and corruption; formulate safeguards to ensure that corrupt practices in government are prevented. Investigates cases of violations of civil and political rights; looks into cases of police and military abuse, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and abuse of persons in jail. reviews expenditures of government offices and agencies to ensure that public funds are used properties. Has the power to disallow improper expenditures or use of government properties. investigates alleged wrongdoings of government, its officials, and agencies for the purpose of drafting new laws or amending existing laws to address the problem of abuse and corruption in government.
- 15. JUSTICE ▰ The process of legalizing and penalizing the abuse of political power and power to rule. ▰ Good governance is essentially tied to impartial and effective justice system. ▰ When the justice system is biased and discriminatory, when it favors the rich and the influential over the poor and lowly, or when the legal processes are long, arduous, unavailable or full of delays, then justice is not attained. 15
- 16. Political Philosophy It is the traditional approach in which the primary goal is to understand the essence or the truth about politics. Two Approaches to the Study of Politics Political Science It is the empirical/objective approach in which it places little emphasis on abstract and normative question, and concentrates on a dispassionate and objective of the realities of politics. 16
- 17. 17 Key Concepts in Political Science STATE POPULATION TERRITORY GOVERNMENT SOVEREIGNTY LEGITIMACY POLITICAL IDEOLOGY Organized political community living under a government. Composed of the following elements: population, territory, government and sovereignty. Refers to the people that compose the state. Refers to the place where the people are located, including the land, natural resources and air space located within it. The system that administers or controls the state; instrument through which the will of the state is made known and implemented. Refers to the ability of the state to govern itself without outside influence or interference. The right of the government to exercise power and authority; refers to the recognition given to a state by international organizations. Refers to the principles and theories followed or carried out by a government; theories adopted by the government and applied to state activities, political conditions, and developments.
- 18. 18 See you in Lesson 2.
- 19. 19
- 20. Governance ▰ All actions and activities related to governing. ▰ Interaction and decision-making among policy-makers, public officials and citizens involved in addressing collective problems. ▰ Is the exercise of power/ authority by political leader for the well being at their country’s citizens or subject. 20
- 21. Importance of Studying Governance ▰ Helps citizens know their rights and how to fight for them if needed. ▰ For continued empowerment and sustainable development of the state. ▰ For people to recognize and be aware of what to expect from Philippine government. 21
- 22. Processes and Actors in Governance Decision-making and Implementation Decision-making - process by which a person or group of persons, guided by socio-political structures, arrive at a decision involving their individual and communal needs and wants. Implementation - process that logically follows the decision. 22
- 23. Processes and Actors in Governance Actors and Structures Actor – sector, group or institution that participates in the process of decision making and implementation. Structure – refers to an organization or mechanism that formally/informally guides the decision-making process and sets into motion different actors for implementation. 23
- 24. Processes and Actors in Governance Informal Actors and Bad Governance Influential people such as organized crime syndicates, powerful families, political dynasties, group leaders, etc. More often than not, these actors are causes of corruption due to their illegal and private interests. They manipulate government officials and agencies, and cause widespread organized violence in the community. 24
- 25. 25 See you in Lesson 3.
- 26. 26
- 27. How a Government is Formed ▰ Formed according to what is prescribed or mandated by the constitution, organic laws, or traditional customs of state. 27 CONSTITUTION - a set of primary principles and laws that defines what government the people intends to establish.
- 28. The Branches of Government Executive Branch ▰ Institution that governs the state by implementing laws and creating policies and programs to respond to the needs of the state. ▰ Headed by the executives (i.e. President, Prime Minister) ▰ Other members: VP, Deputy PM, cabinet members. 28
- 29. The Branches of Government Legislative Branch ▰ Lawmaking institution of the government; legislature. ▰ In the Philippines, legislative branch is embodied by the Philippine Congress. ▰ Divided into two houses: upper house or the Senate and lower house or the House of Representatives. 29
- 30. The Branches of Government Judiciary Branch ▰ Composed of courts that interpret and apply the laws of the state. ▰ In the Philippines, the highest court is the Supreme court. SC oversees all lower and special courts. It also hears cases pertaining to interpretations of the law, validity of agreements or treaties, and any official or government institution violate any law of the state. 30
- 31. The Branches of Government 31 Executive Legislative Judiciary SEPARATION OF POWERS CHECKS AND BALANCES
- 32. Politics, Governance and the Government ▰ Governance is fundamentally related to politics since politics is defined as the art of governance. ▰ But, politics does not always equal to good governance. ▰ Since the government is the instrument to enact the politics and governance for the state, it is important that the power they exercise is always for the common good of the society. 32
- 33. 33 See you in Lesson 4.
- 34. CREDITS Special thanks to all the people who made and released these awesome resources for free: ▰ Presentation template by SlidesCarnival ▰ Photographs by Startup Stock Photos ▰ Philippine Politics and Governance by A.E. Joven, PhD (2017), C&E Publishing ▰ Politics and Governance in the Philippines by Ryan Espino, link: https://www.slideshare.net/warywean/politics-and-governance-in-the-philippines Retrieved: Aug. 17, 2020 ▰ What is Governance by Atty. MICHAEL JHON M. TAMAYAO, link: https://tamayaosbc.wordpress.com/2014/08/21/what-is-governance/ Retrieved: Aug. 21, 2020 34
- 35. CREDITS ▰ Philippine referendum returns big yes vote on Bangsamoro rule by Martin Petty, Reuters Jan. 26, 2019, Retrieved: Aug 22, 2020 ▰ Governance Structures, Roles and Responsibilities by Kelly J. Harris, 2000, SEARCH The National Consortium for Justice Information and Statistics 35
Editor's Notes
- Chapter 1. Introduction to Politics and Governance.
- Politics. Politics is the process that determines the distribution of power and resources. It also refers to the Theory and practice of how people influence others in making decisions and carrying out projects or programs. As defined within political science, politics refers to the human behavior with regard to matters related to government activities such as the creation, maintenance and amendment of social norms or rules.
- Basic Principles of Politics. Order, Power and Justice.
- Order. Order is central to the study of politics because it shows different components of human society. Order consists of a group of people united in a formal way with distinct roles and goals. These are the basic structures of order in political science. Community. The community is one kind of social order which refers to the association of individual who shares a common identity. Community does not only refer to the commonality of your location to others. Community also refers to people of the same ideology, skills or interests. For example, there are communities for the senior citizens and communities for professionals in the same field. Government. The government is a higher level of social order that exist primarily for the maintenance and perpetuation of the community. The government is tasked of executing and exercising the will of the state confined within a set of agreed upon laws, rules and traditional customs. State. The state is the largest social order today and in which the term politics originally derived. The state is considered the highest form of human association, and it is the product of an established order brought by human cooperation and agreement. The state cannot be reduced to a single institution such as the government. There are various elements that comprise a state such as its citizens or population, the government, the territory and its sovereignty.
- Power. Power is The main source of reign of the government. The possession to govern or rule the state. Power refers to the ability to exercise control or impose restrictions over individuals, as well as compel other people to do certain tasks. For example, in a group project, there is usually someone who takes on the position of being the leader. He or she will have the power to assign tasks, schedule meet ups, and decide on different aspect of the project. Even amongst friends, power also exists. For example, in your circle of friends, there is that someone within the group whose opinion always matters or the one who usually decides for group outings, likes and dislikes, and other things. Those were all very simple examples, however, imagine this power, this influence placed upon a larger population. A single leader or a few handful of people gets to decide for an entire population, how much responsibility lies on their shoulder and how much effect they can produce. There are different types of power according to social psychologists, John French and Bertram Raven. These are: Coercive power. Usually based on a person’s ability to compel other people through threats, punishments and force. Reward power. This is the ability of an individual or an institution to give rewards and benefits. Expert power. Relies on the knowledge and skills of the individual. This is why experts on different bodies of knowledge are usually looked upon to decide on critical situations concerning their field of expertise. For example, a geodetic engineer will be asked for an opinion if an evacuation is needed in a certain area following mild earthquake. Legitimate power. Is based on a person’s position, role, and duties in a group. If an individual person has the legitimate power for a specific position, then he or she has the right to exercise the power of that position. Referent power. Is based on individual’s personality and ability to attract followers. For example, nowadays, there are a lot of people who calls themselves influencer. These influencers may or may not be experts in the fields they have chosen to promote but their followers believe them. There are also certain individuals who have referent power due to their charisma or, their beauty.
- Classification of power based on authority as proposed by German sociologist and philosopher, Max Weber. Charismatic authority. This is based on the personal qualities of the individual who wields the power. The person’s authority is recognized based on his or her traits and how he or she is perceived by other people. Traditional authority. Is rooted in traditional values and existing social ties and institutions. For example, as a member of royal families, princes and princesses already have certain authority within their jurisdiction even as a child. Legal-rational authority. Is based on a system of laws and regulations, and an established bureaucracy. Power, in this context, depends on an individual’s position in the social hierarchy and the power he or she is able to exercise based on established laws.
- In democratic societies, such as the Philippines, the people, being the sovereign people that compose the state, has power given by the government to them. The Bill of Rights, Article 3 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, enumerates rights and privileges guaranteed by the state to its sovereign citizens. These rights, in turn, comes with a set of responsibilities which citizens must fulfill in order to exercise power and participate within a democracy. For example, Filipinos are entitled to freedom of the press, free speech and expression. This right, however, imposes responsibility to be aware of social issues. Irresponsible exercise of this right may lead to misinformation, engaging in hate speech, advocating violence, undermines democracy and good governance. The power of citizen, therefore, is only effective and beneficial if done in a responsible manner. The state has instituted formal means that enable citizens to directly participate in government. These are: Suffrage. Suffrage is the power of citizens to vote in public elections as well as run for public office. Referendum. This is similar to an election, but instead of electing officials, citizens vote for or against a proposal or law. For example, on January of 2019, a referendum was held in some regions of Mindanao in order to vote for or against the Bangsamoro rule. Plebiscite. Refers to the process by which citizens approve of proposed changes to the constitution. For example, there was a lot of talk around 2018 about the Philippines changing its government to a federal system. But, there was not enough supporters for a plebiscite to be held. Initiative. The power of the people to propose amendments to the Constitutions or to propose and enact legislations. For more information on this, please read Republic Act number 6735 entitled An act providing for a system of initiative and referendum and appropriating funds. Power Revolt. This is an unconventional means by which the citizens have power and influence politics. Early forms of revolt were often armed, violent and involved citizens engaging government forces in hostilities. However, during 20th century, peaceful revolts have ensued all over the world to advance their political causes. For example, during the Indian Independence movement in 1920s, Mahatma Gandhi led a non-violent resistance against British colonial rule. The 1986 EDSA Revolution in the Philippines also involved non-violent protests.
- Responsibility and Accountability. Those who are in power should know the consequences of having that power. Learning about Responsibility and accountability is therefore essential to all, even to the citizens of the state. Responsibility. Is closely tied to obligation. It refers to an action that an individual is required to perform. Public officials, in particular, have specific responsibilities in exercising their authority. Legal responsibilities. Refer to a set of obligations outline by law. If not done properly, officials may be investigated or persecuted by the government. Moral responsibilities. Refers to doing actions that are considered to be morally and socially acceptable. Accountability. refers to the acknowledgement of responsibility for an action and its consequences. Responsibility and accountability are important concepts in governance. Elected public officials are expected to perform their obligations and to uphold the common good and best interests of the people within their jurisdiction.
- The are different ways where a public official may abuse power. These are: Abuse of Authority. Refers to the Use of authorized power for illegal acts and stepping beyond bounds of authorized actions. For example, a group of policemen searches a house or place without a search warrant, that is stepping beyond bounds of authorized actions. Abuse of Discretion. Is the Willful disregard for the rules or proper procedure. For example, some government agencies require all applicants to submit their credentials and requirements to the central office, which is in Manila. Regional offices are not allowed to accept these applications and should redirect applicants to the central office. However, we still see a lot of relatives within the same offices and some rumors about these relatives not having gone through the proper hiring process. Abuse of Power. Refers to misconduct in office. The official performs unlawful actions while in office. Some examples are not rendering proper hours in the office, bullying or harassing employees, or requesting staff to do personal favors which are not part of their civic duties. The most evident example of abuse of power is Graft and corruption. Graft is a form of political corruption where an official uses public funds for his or her personal gain. Corruption on the other hand, is the use of authority or influence for private interest. Corruption can be seen in various acts or activities such as patronage, nepotism, bribery or influence peddling.
- Sometimes, public officials ignore protocol or standard procedures in different areas of their work such as preferring blood relatives during hiring an employee or procuring sub-standard materials in a construction project and corrupting the rest of the budget. There are a lot of instances that a person in power may abuse that power. Here are some agencies instated by the government in order to ensure accountability to those who abuse power or commit anomalies and illegal activities. Office of the Ombudsman. The constitution mandates the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman to Investigate cases of alleged abuses by public officials and government employees. They are empowered to investigate offices and officials, suspend officials under investigation and recommend cases for prosecution after due investigation. Sandiganbayan. This is the country’s anti-graft court which hears and decides on cases involving graft and corruption and abuse of power by public officials. Presidential Commission on Good Government or P C G G. The main task of this office is to Investigate cases of graft and corruption, formulate safeguards to ensure that corrupt practices in government are prevented. Commission on Humans Rights. Tasked to Investigate cases of violations of civil and political rights and to look into cases of police and military abuse, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and abuse of persons in jail. Commission on Audit. Tasked with reviewing expenditures of government offices and agencies to ensure that public funds are used properties. Also, to disallow improper expenditures or use of government properties. Common example is using the official vehicle of a certain office for personal travels and leisure. Senate Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations, also known as the Blue Ribbon Committee. Formed to investigate alleged wrongdoings of government, its officials, and agencies for the purpose of drafting new laws or amending existing laws to address the problem of abuse and corruption in government. For example, cases such as a public official who was convicted with sexual harassment lessens his jail time by taking advantage of the GCTA law or Good Conduct Time Allowance law will be investigated by the Blue Ribbon committee since not all persons in jail have their applications approved. This is, indeed, abuse of power.
- Justice. Is the process of legalizing and penalizing the abuse of political power and power to rule. Good governance is essentially tied to impartial and effective justice system. When the justice system is biased and discriminatory, when it favors the rich and the influential over the poor and lowly, or when the legal processes are long, arduous, unavailable or full of delays, then justice is not attained. And if justice is not attained, then there is no good governance nor upholding of the common good for the citizens of the state.
- Two Approaches to the study of politics. Political philosophy. It is the traditional approach in which the primary goal is to understand the essence or the truth about politics. Ideas and contributions of classical thinkers such as Aristotle, Niccolo Machiavelli, Cicero, Plato and many others are studied here. Political Science. A branch of social science that deals with the study of politics. It is the empirical/objective approach in which it places little emphasis on abstract and normative question, and concentrates on a dispassionate and objective of the realities of politics.
- Key concepts in political science. The State. Defined as an organized political community living under a government. The elements that composes the state are: population, territory, government and sovereignty. Population. Refers to the people that compose the state, or the citizens of the state. Territory. Refers to the place where the people that compose the state are located, including the land, natural resources, and air space located within its set boundaries. Government. The system that administers or controls the state. It is the instrument through which the will of the state is made known and implemented. Sovereignty. Refers to the ability of the state to govern itself without outside influence of interference. In international relations, countries recognize each other as possessing the essential elements of the state and being able to exercise sovereignty. Legitimacy. Closely tied to sovereignty. It is the right of the government to exercise power and authority. Also refers to the recognition given to a state by foreign governments and international organizations. Ideology. Is a set of ideas and beliefs that define the views and actions of individuals, groups and institutions. Political ideology, on the other hand, Refers to the principles and theories followed or carried out by a government. These theories are adopted by the government and applied to state activities, political conditions, and developments.
- Governance. Governance refers to all actions and activities related to governing. It is defined by the interaction and decision-making among policy-makers, public officials and citizens involved in addressing collective problems. Governance is the exercise of power/ authority by political leader for the well being at their country’s citizens or subject. It also refers to how various institutions of the government, from local to national levels, work together to successfully implement policies and programs.
- Importance of Studying Governance. Studying governance helps citizens know their rights and how to fight for them. If the people knows good governance, then they would be able to recognize lapses and misgivings of the government which enables them to exercise their rights. If everybody in the state learns of governance, everybody will be able to work towards it which gives way to continued empowerment and sustainable development of the state. Also, it is for people to recognize and be aware of what to expect from their government.
- Processes and Actors in Governance. Decision making and implementation. Decision-making - process by which a person or group of persons, guided by socio-political structures, arrive at a decision involving their individual and communal needs and wants. Decision making is crucial and routinely done within institutions and offices. Usually, the executives or higher ranking officials are the ones who make the big decisions in governing. Implementation. Is the process that logically follows the decision. After plans have been proposed, heard and decided upon by a governing body, specific procedure on how to implement a certain program or policy will then take place.
- Actors and Structures Actor. May be a sector, a group, or institution that participates in the process of decision making and implementation. This includes not just the executives but also the personnel under them that will be mobilized in order for the implementation to take place. In nationwide programs, citizens becomes an actor as well. Structure. Refers to an organization or mechanism that formally or informally guides the decision making process and sets into motion different actors for implementation. Organizations and institutions usually have their own hierarchy of authority. There is usually a committee or board that decides to pass policies or implement projects, and there are the staff and personnel under them. The structure also dictates the relationship and roles of the actors within an organization.
- Informal actors and bad governance. Informal actors are those influential people such as organized crime syndicates, powerful families, political dynasties, non profit, group leaders who have massive influence to people and others that may affect the usual processes in governing. More often than not, these actors are causes of corruption due to their illegal and private interests. For example, organized syndicate of that traffics human and children causes disruption, not just to the governance of the government, but also to the lives of the citizens. They manipulate government officials and agencies, and cause widespread organized violence in the community. Thank you for watching Lesson 2. In lesson 3, we’ll be talking about the government and how politics, governance and the government are all related to each other.