Constitutions

Question 1

What is a constitution?

Answer 1

The fundamental law of the land that establishes the character and basic principles of the government

A constitution outlines the rights of individuals and creates limitations on government power.

Question 2

What is the status of the Constitution of the Philippines?

Answer 2

It is the supreme law, which all laws, statutes, and ordinances must conform to.

Question 3

What year was the current Philippine Constitution promulgated?

Answer 3

1987

Question 4

What are the two main purposes of a constitution?

Answer 4

• Serves as the supreme or fundamental law
• Establishes the basic framework and underlying principles of government

Question 5

Who were the authors of the Biak na Bato Constitution?

Answer 5

• Isabelo Artacho
• Felix Ferrer

Question 6

What significant event did the Biak na Bato Constitution proclaim?

Answer 6

The separation of the Philippines from the Spanish monarchy and the formation of an independent state.

Question 7

What was the primary feature of the Malolos Constitution?

Answer 7

It was the first Filipino document produced by the people’s representatives.

Question 8

What was the structure of government established by the Malolos Constitution?

Answer 8

• Executive
• Legislative
• Judicial

Question 9

What year was the 1935 Constitution approved?

Answer 9

1935

Question 10

What was the intended purpose of the Tydings-McDuffie Law?

Answer 10

To provide guidelines for drafting a constitution for a 10-year transitional government before granting independence.

Question 11

What was a notable amendment in the 1935 Constitution?

Answer 11

Establishing a Bicameral legislature.

Question 12

What did the 1943 Constitution create?

Answer 12

A republic with three offices: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.

Question 13

What was a significant aspect of the 1973 Constitution?

Answer 13

It aimed to establish a parliamentary government.

Question 14

What was the outcome of the January 20, 1980 plebiscite regarding the 1973 Constitution?

Answer 14

It ratified amendments extending the retirement age of Supreme Court justices.

Question 15

What are the basic principles underlying the 1987 Constitution?

Answer 15

• Recognition of the aid of Almighty God
• Sovereignty of the People
• Renunciation of War as an Instrument of National Policy
• Supremacy of Civilian Authority over the Military
• Separation of the Church and State
• Guarantee of Human Rights
• Separation of Powers
• Independence of Judiciary
• Guarantee of Local Autonomy
• Rule of the majority
• Government of laws and not of men

Question 16

What does Article I of the 1987 Constitution define?

Answer 16

The national territory of the Philippines.

Question 17

What is the minimum age for suffrage according to Article V of the 1987 Constitution?

Answer 17

Eighteen years

Question 18

Who holds the executive power in the Philippines as per Article VII?

Answer 18

The President of the Philippines.

Question 19

Fill in the blank: The 1987 Constitution consists of _____ articles.

Answer 19

18

Question 20

True or False: The 1987 Constitution was significantly shorter than the 1935 and 1973 Constitutions.

Answer 20

False

Question 21

What is the significance of the Bill of Rights in the 1987 Constitution?

Answer 21

It guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms.

Question 22

Who is vested with executive power in the Philippines?

Answer 22

The President of the Philippines

This refers to the authority to execute and enforce laws.

Question 23

What are the qualifications to be elected President of the Philippines?

Answer 23

• Natural-born citizen of the Philippines
• Registered voter
• Able to read and write
• At least forty years of age on the day of the election
• Resident of the Philippines for at least ten years immediately preceding the election

These qualifications ensure that the President has a strong connection to the nation.

Question 24

What is the role of the Vice-President in relation to the President?

Answer 24

The Vice-President has the same qualifications and term of office as the President and is elected in the same manner

The Vice-President may also be removed from office in the same manner as the President.

Question 25

What is vested in the Judicial Department of the Philippines?

Answer 25

Judicial power is vested in one Supreme Court and lower courts as established by law ## Footnote Judicial power includes settling actual controversies involving legally enforceable rights.

Question 26

What are the Constitutional Commissions in the Philippines?

Answer 26

* Civil Service Commission * Commission on Elections * Commission on Audit ## Footnote These commissions are independent and play crucial roles in governance.

Question 27

What are the territorial and political subdivisions of the Republic of the Philippines?

Answer 27

* Provinces * Cities * Municipalities * Barangays * Autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras ## Footnote These subdivisions help in local governance and administration.

Question 28

What does public office represent according to Article XI?

Answer 28

Public office is a public trust ## Footnote Public officers must be accountable to the people and serve with integrity.

Question 29

What are the goals of the national economy in the Philippines?

Answer 29

* More equitable distribution of opportunities, income, and wealth * Sustained increase in goods and services production * Expanding productivity to improve quality of life, especially for the underprivileged ## Footnote These goals aim to enhance the welfare of the Filipino people.

Question 30

What priority does Congress give regarding social justice and human rights?

Answer 30

Congress shall give highest priority to measures that protect and enhance human dignity ## Footnote This includes reducing social, economic, and political inequalities.

Question 31

What rights does the State protect in education according to Article XIV?

Answer 31

The right of all citizens to quality education at all levels ## Footnote The State must ensure education is accessible to everyone.

Question 32

What does the State recognize as the foundation of the nation?

Answer 32

The Filipino family ## Footnote The State aims to strengthen family solidarity and promote total development.

Question 33

What are the colors of the Philippine flag?

Answer 33

Red, white, and blue ## Footnote The flag features a sun and three stars, symbolizing national pride.

Question 34

Who can propose amendments or revisions to the Constitution?

Answer 34

* The Congress, with a vote of three-fourths of all its Members * A constitutional convention ## Footnote Amendments can also be proposed directly by the people through an initiative.

Question 35

What is the requirement for a direct proposal for constitutional amendments by the people?

Answer 35

A petition of at least twelve percent of the total number of registered voters ## Footnote Each legislative district must be represented by at least three percent of registered voters.

Question 36

When were the first elections of Members of the Congress under this Constitution held?

Answer 36

On the second Monday of May, 1987 ## Footnote This marked the establishment of the new government structure under the 1987 Constitution.

Question 37

What may the first local elections coincide with?

Answer 37

The election of Members of Congress ## Footnote This was to be determined by the President.