11

Philippine Politics
and Governance
Quarter 1 – Week 1
Module 1
Explain the concept, relationship and importance of
politics, governance and government.
Philippine Politics and Governance
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 1: Title
First Edition, 2020

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 11
Philippine
Politics and
Governance
Quarter 1 – Week 1
Module 1

Explain the concept, relationship and importance

of politics, governance and government.
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Philippine Politics and Governance Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM)
Module on Explain the concept, relationship and importance of politics, governance
and government!

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators

both from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator in
helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while
overcoming their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help
learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration
their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of
the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies
that will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module.
You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to
manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist
the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.
For the learner:

Welcome to the Philippine Politics and Governance Alternative Delivery Mode

(ADM) Module on Explain the concept, relationship and importance of politics,
governance and government!

The study of Social Sciences involves ocean of concepts, terminologies,

principles and philosophies. This is true and evident in politics and
governance. The meanings may differ on how we use them. Humanities and
Social Sciences students must be adept with the various nomenclatures and
their usage in order to gain an in-depth study of the course.
This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

What I Need to Know This will give you an idea of the skills or
competencies you are expected to learn in
the module.

What I Know This part includes an activity that aims to

check what you already know about the
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
module.

What’s New In this portion, the new lesson will be

introduced to you in various ways such as a
story, a song, a poem, a problem opener, an
activity or a situation.

What is It This section provides a brief discussion of

the lesson. This aims to help you discover
and understand new concepts and skills.

What’s More This comprises activities for independent

practice to solidify your understanding and
skills of the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.

What I Have Learned This includes questions or blank

sentence/paragraph to be filled in to process
what you learned from the lesson.

What I Can Do This section provides an activity which will

help you transfer your new knowledge or
skill into real life situations or concerns.

Assessment This is a task which aims to evaluate your

level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.
 Additional Activities In this portion, another activity will be given
to you to enrich your knowledge or skill of
the lesson learned. This also tends retention
of learned concepts.

At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in

developing this module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of
the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your
answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are
not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning
and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!
 What I Need to Know

You will explain the concept, relationship and importance of politics,

governance and government.

Specifically, this module will help you to:

• unlock the meaning of politics, governance and government;
• establish the relationships among the given concepts;
• conduct a research on the outstanding Filipinos in the field of social
science and government service; and become an active agent of social
transformation.
 What I Know

Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer and write it on a separate
sheet of paper.

1. President ABC won the hearts of the people because of his charisma and
genuine concern to the poor and other marginalized sectors of the
society. His pet legislation is the passage of a tax reform which
provisions are propoor. However, business sectors opposed it since they
will be affected once the proposed bill becomes a law. What should be
the best action of President ABC?
a. Ask for the full support of the marginalized sector.
b. Impose his power to his allies in the Lower House and Senate
to immediately pass the proposed tax reform.
c. Get the consensus of the different sectors of the society and
offer compromise to those who oppose in order to allow the
smooth passage of the bill.
d. Both A and B.

2. Mayor XYZ is one of the respected city mayors in the National Capital
Region because of his management of the City of Manila. Which among
the following characterizes his good governance?
a. Put his constituents specially the poor on top of his priorities.
b. Recreate a new brand of leadership anchored on transparency
and accountability.
c. Use his power to effectively and fairly allocate and distribute
the resources of the city.
d. Involvement of the private individuals, business groups, civil
society and other interest groups in the management and
administration of the City of Manila.

3. Which among the following is not a domain of governance?

a. state c. despotism
b. civil society d. local government

4. Charles wants to become the first Secretary-General of the United

Nations. Which among the disciplines in political science should he give
the outmost importance?
a. Political Theory c. Comparative Politics
b. International Relations d. all the above
 5. Which among the following is within the sphere of the study of Political
Science?
a. Take a positive action that led to good governance,
improvement of the life of the people.
b. Deep understanding on the management of the government.
c. Offer alternatives and solutions to the existing problems of the
society.
d. None of the above

What’s New

The study of Social Sciences involves ocean of concepts, terminologies,

principles and philosophies. This is true and evident in politics and
governance. The meanings may differ on how we use them. Humanities and
Social Sciences students must be adept with the various nomenclatures and
their usage in order to gain an in-depth study of the course.
 What is It

Lesson
Basic Concepts in Politics and
1 Governance

Politics

Man by nature is a political animal (Aristotle, Politics I). These words resonate
the true essence in the study of politics. We have seen an active participation of
our citizenry in giving out opinions on how the government implements
policies, programs and plan of actions. Citizens are vocal about their opinions
in social media. News about government engages people in a mental discourse
affecting his or her fate, and this, itself is politics.

Politics is rooted from the word polis, the city-states that flourished in Greece.
Athens was one of the most powerful and prominent city-states, which became
the birthplace of democracy, and the pioneers and innovators of modern-day
government. Politics under the Greek civilization means the affairs of the
citystates. Today, politics is being understood as ‘the concerns of the state’.
Politics is a mechanism used by the government in order to control, influence,
and implement policies and programs that are deemed important in delivering
service to the people. Politics also refers to how we distribute powers and
allocate resources. It also speaks about interrelationships between
communities, local governments, states, and international systems.

The Conceptions About Politics

The meaning of politics differs depending on how we use it. It is essential that
in understanding the context, we must consider the following conceptions:
politics and government, politics and public affairs, politics as compromise and
consensus, and politics and power.
Politics and Government

Politics is an art of government. It involves decision making processes

that apply to all sectors of the society. It deals with how the government
governs and administers its internal and external affairs. It refers to all
the activities of the government, legislative bodies, and local
governments. Politics encompasses the entire processes by which the
government responds to the needs of the whole society by allocating
resources, incentives and even penalties. As such, politics is the
responsibilities exercised by the government in order to meet the needs
of the citizenry in the areas of personal, social, cultural, domestic,
economic, environment and artistic undertaking.

Politics and Public Affairs

This conception refers to the set of associations and relationships of the

government among the different sectors of the society. It is a style of
behavior by which a government entity used in order to carry out its
principles and accomplish its goals. Politics is the most important form
of human activity because it involves interaction among free and equal
citizens (Arendt, 1958).

Government contains apparatus like courts, legislative bodies, military,

police, education and others which are deemed public. These are funded
by tax collected from its citizens. Thus, it is expected that the
government must provide social order and harmonious relationships
among its institutions and agencies. They must be responsible in giving
out quality service to the people and expected to improve the quality of
life. All political activities are regarded as the integrative relationships of
delivering the essentials in order to meet the needs of the public.

Politics as Compromise and Consensus

Politics with guiding or influencing governmental policy (Merriam-

Webster, Online, 2020). It is a means by which the government guides
and implements policies by making compromise and getting the
consensus of the whole government stakeholders. It is an arena where
politics is seen as an arbiter of all social conflicts that necessitates
compromise, arbitration, and negotiation. Arriving at solution to the
problem requires an in-depth discourse and exchange of ideas.
Therefore, when differing opinions and disagreements arise, the
government must not crush the opposing side, instead, it must use
politics in order to provide solution. Compromise and consensus must
prevail over coercion and intimidation. It must be a living alternative to
brutality and violence in times of heated disagreements.

Politics and Power

Politics is science concerned with winning and holding control over a

government (Merriam-Webster, Online, 2020). It is “the heart of all
collective social activity, formal and informal, public and private, in all
human groups, institutions and societies” (Leftwich, 2004). Thus,
 politics permeates all sectors of the society, it can be seen in various
social institutions such as family, education, religion, and economy.

Since politics involves the distribution of resources and delivery of

essential services, power is vital in achieving its means and objectives.
Thus, power is seen as tool in order to achieve the aims of politics
regardless of its outcomes. Moreover, politics is a “power-structured
relationships, arrangements whereby one group of persons is controlled
by another”
(Millett, 1969).

Governance

Government and governance are synonymous, at times, the terms are

interchangeable. However, as students of politics and governance, it is
imperative for us to make a clear distinction of the two concepts.

A government is an organization that exercises the authority to govern based

on the existing legal frameworks. It is the name given to the entity that
manages, governs and administers the organization, specifically, the state. The
power of the government is defined in the constitution and statutes. Meanwhile,
governance refers to how the government manages the affairs of the state. It
goes beyond the in and out of running the government. It is about how the
government is effective in using the available resources in order to effectively
deliver its mandate to the people.

Numerous international institutions have come-up with various definitions of

governance. Most of these boils down on the efficiency of the government and
its machineries.

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) defines governance as “the

exercise of economic, political, and administrative authority to manage a
country’s affairs at all levels. It comprises mechanisms, processes, and
institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interests,
exercise their legal rights, meet their obligations, and mediate their differences.”
It “refers to how any organization, including a nation, is run. It includes all the
processes, systems, and controls that are used to safeguard and grow assets”

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) sees governance as “to how any
organization, including a nation, is run. It includes all the processes, systems,
and controls that are used to safeguard and grow assets”. It is where the
citizens participate and interact with the government aimed obtain the
optimum service to the people.

Citizens are at the core of governance. They “are rightly concerned with a
government’s responsiveness to their needs and protection of their rights. In
general, governance issues pertain to the ability of government to develop an
efficient, effective, and accountable public management process that is open to
citizen participation and that strengthens rather than weakens a democratic
system of government” (United States Agency for International Development,
Office of Democracy and Governance, n.d.).

In the Philippines, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA, 2016)

states that governance is an “exercise of economic, political and administrative
authority to manage the nation’s affairs at all levels. It comprises of
mechanisms, processes and institutions through which citizens and groups
articulate their interests, exercise their legal rights and obligations and mediate
their differences.
Governance is not the sole domain of government but transcends government
to encompass the business sector and the civil society”. It is highly
participatory in managing the affairs of the government.

The Domains of Governance

The new paradigm in governance goes beyond the administration and running
the affairs of the states. It involves the private organizations, non-governmental
organizations, government stakeholders, and civil society groups. It is a
collective effort where interest groups are vital in running the government.

The State

The state is the essential element in governance. It is considered as the

principal actors that take the lead in running the government. Its power is
mandated by the constitution and other special laws. It has police powers that
are necessary in providing security and delivering the basic services to the
people. It has enormous powers which can be used in the allocation of
resources, distribution of powers and drafting policies based on existing legal
frameworks. It plays a vital role in the delivery of projects needed by its
constituents.

The Local Government

The local government includes provincial, municipal, city and barangay

government attached to the central government. These local governments derive
its authority from the 1987 Constitution and the Local Government Code of
1991. Local governments administer localities defined by law.

The local government as a good venue for the community-based organization to

participate in running the government. Private corporations, non-governmental
organizations, and other stakeholders can engage in a meaningful deliberation
that is related to environment, economy, peace and order, and others.

The Private Corporations and Business Organizations

Private corporations and business organizations are considered as the lifeline of
governance. They can provide financial resources by means of donations,
grants or loans for projects that are beneficial to the people. They can also give
financial and technical expertise by assisting the national and local
governments in the implementation of their plans and programs. Further, they
can deliver the muchneeded assistance to the local communities in transferring
the technologies needed by the people.

The Civil Society

Civil society refers to the organizations that advocate certain causes. They are
the “vulnerable sectors” or “third sector” because most often they are
disregarded or neglected. Members of the civil society are often the
marginalized, the poor and voiceless sector of the society. An organized civil
society is vital in the delivery of effective governance. They can mobilize the
organization to directly participate in the decision-making processes of the
state. They provide a better alternative to problems and challenges where the
government and private sector could not.

Civil society is a venue where citizens can air their grievances, issues and
concerns that were often neglected by the government. At times, their critique
on existing government policies and programs are more valid solutions since
they are researched based and rooted in the grassroots.

Political Science

Politics enters the different realms of human life. It goes beyond the activities of
the state and how efficient governance is being held. Politics covers the entire
life of each person. It is in this context that students of humanities and social
sciences must have an in-depth understanding of how politics and governance
are being carried out. One must be aware that political scenario dictates
economics, education, society and culture.

The study of politics and governance is under the helm of political science.
“the systematic study of governance by the application of empirical and
generally scientific methods of analysis” (par 1). As an academic discipline, it is
considered as science since it uses scientific principles. Like all sciences,
political science “involves empirical investigation, it generally does not produce
precise measurements and predictions” (Roskin, 2016, par 3). Political science
uses empirical data, observation, analysis and discourse which make it a
science. The use of mental faculty and intellectual intercourse make political
science a more exciting and rewarding field of study.

The Fields of Political Science

Political science is a broad area of academic discipline. It has it its own fields
which are needed in order to have a full grasp of what politics, government,
governance and international system are all about.

1. Political Theory. It examines the different philosophies, theories and

principles related in the study of political science. In essence, political
theories are reflected in the real affairs of the state, relationship among
nations, and patterns of interactions among peoples and its government.

2. International Relations. It studies how states relate and interacts by

analyzing the foreign policy, economy, and other political and social
structures that are deemed important in the relationship among nations.
Modern school of thoughts classify international relations as
independent discipline akin to political science.

3. Comparative Politics. This field takes into consideration the politics and
governance that is existing in different countries. The study of
comparative politics is usually carried out by means of geographical
groupings, economic, or social conditions. It analyzes the similarities
and differences of the existing variables being studied between and
among countries.

4. Public Administration. It deals with how the government manages its

bureaus and agencies in order to comply with the existing mandates of
the law. It analyzes how each arm of the government responds to the
economic, cultural, educational, and social conditions.

5. Domestic Policy. This is the most prominent field of political science. It

tackles the local affairs of the state, how the government is run, and how
good governance is carried out in a city, municipality, province or the
entire country.

6. Public Law. It studies and analyzes the legal system, constitution,

statutes, orders, and other local legislations.

Why Study Politics and Governance?

“Man by nature is a political animal” ~ Aristotle. These words make politics and
governance an exciting discipline. We have diverse opinions on the matters of
government and governance. The following are the importance of studying this
course:

1. The study of politics and governance enhances the critical thinking skills
of an individual. Exposure to different socio-political theories and law
enables us to analyze policies and programs which are beneficial for the
country.
2. Politics and governance elevate the intellectual discourse thereby
providing the opportunity to correct some lapses in governance by
providing alternative solution anchored on philosophy, laws and
research.
 3. It provides us the necessary skills and wisdom on how to run the
government and participate in nation building.
4. It inculcates nationalism and foster patriotism. It allows us to see the
good side of the governments and be aware of its shortcomings. It makes
us conscious of our roles and enables us to take a positive response for
the betterment of our country.

What’s More

Activity 1.1. Politics, Governance and Government (Critical

Thinking, Creativity)
Objective: Establish the relationship between and among the following
concepts:
politics, governance, and government.
Directions:
1. Based on the lesson presented, identify the relationship among the
following concepts: politics, governance, and government.
2. You may write your answer in a separate sheet of paper based on the
format presented.
3. Thereafter, answer the critical thinking questions below.
 Politics Governance

Government

Critical Thinking Questions:

1. What is your own understanding of the word politics, governance, and

government?
2. Are they related with each other? Explain your answer.
3. How did the lesson change your ideas about the given concepts?
4. How will you explain such concepts to a grade six student?

Activity 1.2. The World of Good Governance (Critical Thinking,

Creativity, Character)
Objective: Identify and evaluate the impact of different domains of good governance in the
effective management of government.
Directions:
1. Recall the domains of good governance that were presented in the lesson.
2. Identify whether they exist in your community, and the roles they played in
achieving good governance.
3. Submit your output in a separate sheet of paper using the format provided.
4. Thereafter, answer the critical thinking questions in a separate sheet of paper.

Domain of Good Functions What are their roles in

Governance the attainment of
good governance?
 State

Local Government

Private Corporations and

Business Organizations

Civil Society

Critical Thinking Questions

1. How is good governance achieved?

2. How important is the participation of different sectors of the society in achieving
good governance?
3. If you are going to create an advocacy group that would participate in attaining
good governance, what will be its objectives?
4. In your own little way, how can you help the government in its quest to provide
good governance?
 What I Have Learned

• Politics is a mechanism used by the government in order to control, influence, and

implement policies and programs that are deemed important in delivering service to
the people.
• Politics connotes different meanings. Identifying its common conceptions would give us
a clearer understanding of the term. These conceptions can be understood as politics
and government, politics and public affairs, politics as compromise and consensus, and
politics and power.
• Governance refers to how the government manages the affairs of the state while
government is the entity or organization that carries out governance.
• Good governance is achieved by harmoniously involving the different sectors of the
society in the implementation of government policies and programs.
• Political science presents a deeper understanding on the mechanisms of politics and
governance. It is vital in providing an in-depth analysis about the frameworks by which
the international system and government operate.
• Political science develops critical thinking, nurtures nationalism and patriotism, and
provide alternative solution on the existing problems anchored on research and analysis
of existing variables.

What I Can Do

The Filipino Thinkers!

(Creativity, Critical Thinking, Character)

The world of Political science is diverse and fascinating. There are numerous Filipinos
recognized both in local and international levels because of their excellence in different fields. In
this activity, you are going to make a research on the outstanding social scientists,
academicians, government official/public servant, diplomat, and lawyer.

Directions:

1. Explore the world of the internet.

2. Look for exemplary Filipinos who have made great contributions in the academe,
public service, diplomacy, and law. Identify their outstanding accomplishments and
contributions in the world and in your country.
3. Submit your output using the prescribed format and the answer to the critical
thinking questions in a separate sheet of paper.

Field Outstanding Outstanding

Filipino Accomplishment/International
or Local Contributions

Social
Sciences/Academician
(Political Theory,
Comparative Politics,
Public Policy)

Government Service
(Public Administration)

Foreign Diplomacy
(International Relations)

Law
(Public Law)
Critical Thinking Questions

1. Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) students are at times being discriminated
by other strands because of the career that has low salary. After doing the activity,
would you want to pursue a career in Social Sciences and its related disciplines?
Why?
2. How would you explain to your friends from other strands that HUMSS is beyond
money, and that it is service to God and country?
3. How will you prepare yourself to become a catalyst of change and agent of social
transformation?

Assessment

Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet
of paper.

1. Which among the following are domains of governance?

a. state c. local government
b. civil society d. all of the above

2. Humanities and Social Sciences students can become a diplomat serving as

ambassadors or consuls. Which among the following must be given a top priority in
order to achieve it?
a. Comparative Politics c. International Relations
b. Political Theory d. All of the above

3. President ABC wanted to immediately pass the Anti-Terrorism bill that is free from
criticism and opposition. What should he do?
a. Ask the Speaker of the House of Representative and Senate President to
cooperate.
b. Be consultative and get the consensus of different sectors of the society.
c. Impose his power to his allies in the Lower House and Senate to
immediately pass the Anti-Terrorism Bill.
d. Threaten the people that if the bill will not be enacted to law, terrorism will
become widespread.

4. Which among the following characterizes his good governance?

a. Prioritizing the poor and the oppressed.
b. Reviving the old yet effective government policies and programs.
c. Allocating the resources of the government fairly and efficiently.
d. Involving the state, local government, private businesses, and civil society
in managing the affairs of the government.
 5. The following are products of an in-depth study of Political Science except one:
a. Take a positive action that leads to good governance, improvement of the
life of the people.
b. Deep understanding of the management of the government.
c. Offer alternatives and solutions to the existing problems of the society
anchored on research and analysis.
d. Create disagreement and divisiveness as each one has a brilliant idea over
the other because of the lessons learned in Political Science.

Additional Activities

Name ____________________________________________ Grade and Section ___________

School: ______________________ Date: _____________ Subj. Teacher: _______________

Quarter: 1st Module No.: 1 Week No.: 1 MELC:

Explain the concept, relationship and importance of politics, governance and government.
Objectives:
• Unlock the meaning of politics, governance and government;
• Establish the relationships among the given concepts;
• Conduct a research on the outstanding Filipinos in the field of social science and
government service  Become an active agent of social transformation.

Topic: Basic concepts in politics and governance.

Upuan: A Song Analysis

(Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, Character)

Directions:

1. Listen to the song Upuan by Glock 9 on YouTube or any music streaming

application.
2. It is advised that you look for the lyrics in the internet or seek the assistance of your
teacher in securing a copy.
 3. Analyze the song using the table provided. Write your answer on a separate sheet of
paper.

Title of the Song Insights

Artist

Synopsis of the song

Significance of the song

My Reflection about the song

How can I improve the existing social

conditions using my knowledge in
governance?

References
 Books

Arendt, Hannah (1958). The Human Condition (2 nd Edition). Chicago: The University of Chicago

Press.

Eijk, Cees van der (2018). The Essence of Politics. Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press.
Jowett, Benjamin, Translator (1999). Politics and Aristotle. USA: Batoche Books Leftwich, Adrian
(2004). What is Politics?: The Activity and Its Study. Cambridge:

Polity Press, Ltd.

Millet, Kate (1969). Sexual Politics. US: Doubleday and Company.

Online Sources
Glock9 (n.d). Upuan. Retrieved from https://genius.com/Gloc-9-upuan-lyrics, June 27, 2020.
Roskin, Michael (2016). Political Science. Retrieved from
https://www.britannica.com/topic/political-science, June 27, 2020.
 Acknowledgements

Writer: Raul F. Espinosa, Master Teacher II

Editor: Amalia C. Solis - EPS
Reviewer: Ludielyn Bautista, Teacher III
Management Team: Maria Magdalena M. Lim-Schools Division
Superintendent-Manila, Aida H. Rondilla-Chief Education Supervisor
Lucky S. Carpio-EPS and Lady Hannah C. Gillo, Librarian II-LRMS