Philippine Politics and Governance Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Welcome to Philippine Politics and Governance
• Teacher: Guide Featurika
• Importance of knowledge in overcoming ignorance

Key Concepts

Politics

• Definition: Affairs of the cities (Greek origin)
• Collective decision-making for society (Joyce Mitchell)
• Involves power dynamics within a group
• Art of government, exercise of control

Governance

• Comes from the Greek word "kubernetes" (to steer)
• Refers to the manner of directing and controlling a group or state
• Broader concept than government; can exist without it

Government

• The entity exercising authority over a group of people
• Involves administration and management of institutions
• Types: democracy, autocracy; focus on democratic governance in this lecture

Relationship Between Politics, Governance, and Government

• Politics is essential for studying government and authority
• Governance includes formal and informal structures coordinating social life
• Government is one institution within governance
• Good governance leads to capable government and public trust

Characteristics of Politics

• Collective decision-making
• Involves power dynamics among group members
• Present in every government system or society

Approaches to Studying Politics

1. Political Philosophy
   • Tradition approach to understanding the essence of politics
2. Political Science
   • Empirical approach; focuses on objective analysis of political realities

Actors in Politics vs. Political Science

• Politics: Politicians, lobbyists, and administrators
• Political Science: Scholars, political scientists, and academics

Aims of Politics and Political Science

• Politics: Improve welfare and conditions of citizens, implement constructive policies
• Political Science: Understand political paradigms and provide theoretical frameworks

Governance vs. Government

• Governance is broader; includes various coordination methods in social life
• Government is a specific authority entity; can be democratic or autocratic
• Good governance implies accountability, transparency, participation, openness, and rule of law

Importance of Good Governance

• Preserves stakeholder confidence; supports organizational sustainability
• Provides foundation for high performance in organizations
• Ensures organizations can adapt to changing external environments
• Good governance leads to prosperity and progress

Conclusion

• Good governance connects citizens and government
• Citizens should participate actively in governance
• Call to action: register and vote

Interactive Segment

• Quick chat on definitions of politics and governance
• Think tank activity to reinforce learning
• Assignment: Create a Venn diagram showing relationships among politics, government, and governance
• Encouragement to be vocal and involved in the political process

Final Note

• Review materials available on the official YouTube channel DEB TV
• Importance of acquiring knowledge to master new skills.