Andrew Agassi G.

Uy
BS Biology 1-C
Evaluation #2

IDEA FOR THOUGHT AND STUDY

1. Is the struggle for liberalism and constitutionalism justifiable? Why?

Stuggling to acquire these [liberalism and constitutionalism] is quite reasonable. Well, the idea may
be relative to which society or country that needs it. However, base on the discussion in the chapter, there
was deprivation in all sorts that a society had face and wil be facing if it intended to have these [liberalism
and constitutionalism]. There are different factors and significant progresses to build up a society [country].
There are policies, , politics (government), other organizations (private), and other factors that will build up
the society. Aside from that, we need to consider the behaviour of the citizen, national identity, and other
personal factors in individuals’ mentality. With just these factors I mentioned, these are quite plenty to
tackle one by one considering the fact that decisions made would have a contrasting impact on two or more
factors. For example, a certain policy may have a positive impact on politics, while it will bring negative
effect on individuals on private sectors. If we apply it on the acquisition of liberalism and constitutionalism,
same thing will go, as we have read on the chapter discussion on how the decisions of our colonizers brought
us struggle.

2. Why is political stability a factor for progress?

Government, in general, is a factor of progress. Government is the guiding force that we assign to
bring manner of control and regulation to the society. However, the stability of the administration is a
significant factor for our progress. In fact, our dependence on political stability will lead us to a certain
outcome, either productive or unpleasant. A stable political system can fulfill its function without internal
warfare. With that, our society’s objectives are attainable because there is no conflict. In addition, political
stability will lead us to a smooth direction as the government has less obstacles to pass through. However,
the positive outcome will still depend on the approach of the government in facing crisis and progression.

3. Is there a wisdom in our adoption of the separation of the state and the church?
There is a significant difference in adapting the separation of state and the church. In the chapter, it discussed
the problems that the Philippines has encountered because of the conflicting interests of government and the church.
the idea may still be relative, but I would use the situation in the spanish era of the Philippines. Government is
established to have it guide us and regulate our society. With that, it would be complex or confusing if a scoiety has two
governing bodies with each of it has different interests. It would be best if we have only the state to lead us. In addition,
if we say the church has as much power as the state [to control the citizens], chaos is still inevitable. Therefore, we
should consider the difference in power between these bodies so that there is wisdom in our adaption of the
separation of the state and the church.

4. Is there a solution to the problem of racial discrimination? What is your suggestion?

In my opinion, It is impossible to end racial discrimination, but we can lessen the havoc. For many centuries
that have passed, racism has been present. In the present, we can see the movement and protests that have happened,
but it would never end. We, humans, always want to be superior and it is like an instinct to us. We always think that
there is a privilege if we have a characteristic that favors us in the society. That what is happening in racial
discrimination. However, if we continue to cease this mentality and pass it to the later generations, the spread would
be lessen. It does not mean it will completely stop, but atleast the collateral damage in the past will not happen again.
Furthermore, it would also be better if we continue to spread the idea that racism is always inhumane.

5. Why were the Filipinos inspired to work for the recognition and respect of their human right?
In the chapter discussion, it pointed out that Filipinos were denied by spaniards to attain these rights. Which is
why Flipinos worked hard for it to enjoy the benefits of having human rights. Imagine if you have these human rights,
you are unable to live peacefully as you will be fearing for your life. There is no security because you are not human
anyways. Another thing, the right to rest and leisure determines what are the things you can do. There are other
benefits mentioned in the chapter,and all of it were fought hard by our forefathers.
6. Can you explain why Spain took away Philippine representation in the Spanish Cortes?
According to the chapter, the Philippine representation in the spanish cortes was convinently removed. It also
mentioned that there was no more need for colonial support, thus it was removed. However, it was quite questionable
on why did the spain took down of it whereas later reformists had demanded it. Although without well-written
explanation in the chapter and sources, I would assume that it was caused by the fear of spaniards governing the
Philippines. Their privilige would stop if the Philippines will continue to have representation. Anomalies will be
discovered and reported quickly in the cortes, hence governing spaniards fear for it, especially that the oddity in the
governance is apparent.

7. Why do you think Spain introduced several liberal reforms in the Philippines?
Whatever way you think about the relationship of both countries, Philippines was an important asset of Spain,
especially that time. Considering the fact that the Philippines has handful of natural resources, Spain has privileges
within and in the edges of the archipelago, well, especially polotical advantage. In my opinion, it was partly to satisfy
the citizens that time and to hear out the reformists complaints. However, it was a significant move of Spain in order to
maintain their control over the country. It was like, you wanted to eat but you were only given an apple. However, you
became satisfied as soon as you received a slice of lechon, wherein fact you can get a buffet with different types of
dishes. Still, you thanked Spain because of the slice of lechon.