Overview
This lecture introduces Philippine politics, governance, and government, highlighting their definitions, relationships, importance, and the characteristics of good governance in a democratic state.
Politics: Meaning and Importance
- Politics comes from the Greek word "politika" meaning "affairs of the cities."
- It involves activities related to decision-making in groups and power relations between individuals.
- Politics includes the exercise of power, allocation of scarce resources, management, and leadership.
- In democracies, decisions are collective and influenced by different sectors or groups.
- Politics determines "who gets what, when, and how," impacting the distribution of resources and services.
- Politics can be both good and bad, depending on how it is practiced and by whom.
Characteristics and Values of Politics
- Politics involves collective decision-making for a group of people (Shively, 2013).
- Some group members exercise power over others during decision-making.
- Key values: knowing your rights, clarifying beliefs, understanding political parties, and preparing for adult civic life.
- Politics is present in all aspects of community life and decision-making.
Governance: Definition and Characteristics
- Governance means "to steer," referring to directing or controlling a group or state.
- It is the process of decision-making and the implementation (or non-implementation) of those decisions.
- Governance and politics are interconnected; governance is the art of politics in action.
- Good governance aims for citizens' well-being through effective leadership and policy-making.
Characteristics of Good Governance
- Participation: Citizens are involved in government processes.
- Rule of Law: Legal frameworks are impartial; rights are protected.
- Transparency: Information is freely accessible; leaders are open about decisions and spending.
- Responsiveness: Services are timely, of good quality, and beneficial.
- Consensus-Oriented: Policies reflect broad agreement.
- Effectiveness and Efficiency: Results are achieved despite limited resources.
- Equitable and Inclusive: Services are fair and accessible for all, especially the needy.
- Accountability: Leaders take responsibility for their actions.
Government: Definition and Structure
- Government is a group of people with authority to govern a country or state.
- In the Philippines, "government" includes all citizens, not just officials.
- The Philippines has three co-equal branches: executive, legislative, and judicial, with a system of checks and balances.
- Sovereignty resides in the people (1987 Constitution, Article 2, Section 1).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Politics — set of activities involving decision-making, power, and resource distribution in society.
- Governance — the process of steering, decision-making, and implementation for the well-being of citizens.
- Government — the body (including people and leaders) that holds authority over a country or state.
- Rule of Law — the principle that all are equal before the law.
- Accountability — leaders' responsibility for their actions.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reflect: Define politics in your own words.
- Compare: Identify the differences between governance and government.
- Self-assess: Consider your current and future roles in nation-building.
- Prepare for further discussions on the three branches of the Philippine government.