HUMSS 2 (PHILIPPINE POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE)

READING MATERIAL

LESSON 1: POLITICS, GOVERNANCE AND OTHER KEY CONCEPTS

I. Introduction
Political science deals with the study of power in society, politics, and government. The
dynamic character of human and the differences in contexts of different states have resulted in
different views, theories, and definitions on the concepts of political and governance.
Having a basic knowledge on political science can be empowering for every citizen,
especially in a democratic country like the Philippines. There are various theories in political
science, but we only have to study the concepts in Philippine context.
II. Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:
1. define politics, governance, and other key concepts of political science;
2. explain the connection between the phenomenon (politics) and the method of inquiry
(political science);
3. differentiate governance and politics; and
4. explain the value of politics.

III. Pretest
ACTIVITY 1.1.Write five words or phrases on the box that comes into your mind
whenever you hear the words politics and political science. Put your answer in a short bond
paper.
POLITICS POLITICAL SCIENCE

IV. Discussion / Course Content

POLITICS is derived from the Greek word polis which means “city-state”, a small
independent self- contained political society. Considered as “the heart of Political Science”
which means it is the activity of people where they create, preserve and amend laws under
which they live.
POLITICS as the art of government.
Politics is what defines the activities of the government and of the state. All government
officials and all those working in government are participating in politics.
POLITICS as public affair.
Politics is played by everybody, politicians or not. In politics, Aristotle said that “man by
nature is a political animal;” this means that it is only within a political community that human
beings can live the good life. Thus, politics becomes necessary to create a just society.

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POLITICS as compromise and consensus.
Politics is meant to resolve conflict. In politics, compromise, conciliation and negotiation
become necessary. It is through these means that issues and problems are being resolved.
Thus, politics becomes the process of conflict resolution.
POLITICS as power.
Politics happens in all human interactions: within the family, among friends, among
officemates, etc. Politics can, therefore, be seen as struggle over scarce resources, and power
can be seen as the means through which struggle is conducted.
POLITICS VS. POLITICAL SCIENCE
Politics:
 Focuses its study on the actual actions or decisions of the state.
 Politics is concerned with issues, problems and activities of the state while political science
is concerned on how the state originated, its nature and its functions.
Political Science:
 An academic discipline deals with the theoretical study of the state and government.
 A political scientist observes how to state makes decision, and how the state’s decision
affects people. In the modern perspectives, political science studies politics. The state and
government are the key factors in the study of political science and politics. Thus, political
science cannot be differentiated from politics.
5 REASONS TO STUDY POLITICS
1. Politics will help you to know your rights.
2. Politics clarifies what you yourself believes.
3. Politics is a living, breathing subject.
4. Politics helps you to understand our nation’s parties.
5. Politics prepares you for adult life.

HOW POLITICS CAN BE STUDIED?

1. NORMATIVE VS. POSITIVE APPROACH
Focuses in answering the questions:
 (What is?) Positive Approach
Example: “The Department of Education documented more than 1,700 cases of
child abuse and bullying in school year 2013-2014.”
 (What should be?) Normative Approach
Example: “Bullying and other forms of violence in schools should be viewed not
just a school problem but a societal problem as well.”
2. BEHAVIORAL APPROACH
Focuses on the study of the individual (voter, leader, party leader, etc.) particularly the
actors of the political system, their emotions, biases and predispositions.

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 Behaviorists, therefore, study the political process by looking at how it relates or
influences the individual’s behavior, motivations, personalities or feelings of human actors (Orji,
2009).
3. RATIONAL CHOICE APPROACH
Focuses on the study of human behavior, wherein individuals are motivated by their
wants, their self-interest or goals which will explain their preferences.
Furthermore, according to this approach, humans act to maximize their outcome, that is,
to get the most benefit and profit from their actions.
GOVERNANCE
It is the action of the government and called as “the process of decision-making and the
process by which decisions are implemented.” (Sheng, UNESCAP). It’s the government’s ability
to make and enforce rule and to deliver services, regardless of whether the government is
democratic or not.” -Fukuyama (2013) In the early Indian history, back to at least 400 B.C,
governance includes emphasizing justice, ethics and anti- autocratic tendencies.
Moreover, World Bank (2007) defines governance as “the manner in which public
officials and institutions acquire and exercise the authority to shape public policy and provide
public goods and services.” Decisions should not be influenced by interest of the few, values
and preference.
8 CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD GOVERNANCE
1. Participation – active involvement of all affected and interested parties in the decision-
making process.
2. Rule of Law - legal frameworks should be fair and enforced impartially.
3. Transparency - free flow of information.
4. Responsiveness - serve all stakeholders.
5. Consensus Oriented - mediates differing interests.
6. Equity and Inclusiveness - all its members have opportunities to improve or maintain their
well-being.
7. Effectiveness and efficiency - produce results that meet needs while making the best use of
resources.
8. Accountability - accountable to the public.

For additional information, kindly click the links below.

 https://www.slideshare.net/aybipolidario/introduction-the-concepts-of-politics-and-
governance
 http://www.bedes.org/senior-school/news-and-blogs/senior-school-news/2015/01/5-
reasons-to-study-politics.aspx
NOTE: This reading material will provide you additional information about the topic. Kindly refer
to your photocopy as well before proceeding to post test.

V. Post Test
ACTIVITY 1.2.Write T on the space provided if the statement is true. Write F if the
statement is false and underline the word or phrase that makes the statement false.
1. Political science is the study of power and government systems? _____
2. Power is not a central concept in political science._____

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 3. Aristotle defined political science as the study of people._____
4. Politics is generally defined as the activity that influences an individual or group of
people._____
5. Only government officials have the right to study politics._____

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