Activity/ Assessment:

TASK 1: Compare and Contrast the different Philippine constitutions

1935 Constitution
The 1935 Constitution, which
featured a political system
virtually identical to the
American one, became
operative. The system called for
a President to be elected at large
for a 4-year term (subject to one
re-election), a bicameral
Congress, and an independent
Judiciary.
1973 Constitution 1987 Constitution
The Philippines renounces war The 1987 Constitution
as an instrument of national established a representative
policy, adopts the generally democracy with power divided
accepted principles of among three separate and
international law as part of the independent branches of
law of the land, and adheres to government: the Executive, a
the policy of peace, equality, bicameral Legislature, and the
justice, freedom, cooperation, Judiciary.
and amity with all nations.

Tasks 2: Answer the following questions briefly.

1. Discuss the relevance of having a Constitution?

A constitution is a primary document used for managing the country's affairs democratically. It also is aimed
at protecting human rights. The main reason for establishing the constitution is to set suitable principles to
rule the organs of the government democratically. A constitution provides rules about how the country is run.
A constitution provides the basis for governance in a country, which is essential to making sure that everyone's
interests and needs are addressed. It determines how laws are made, and details the process by which the
government rules.

2. Do you think there is a need to change the existing constitution? Reason out your answer.

Without a doubt, no. Not because he is undeserving. Not because his policies are required by the country.
There isn't any justification for it. He shouldn't obtain it for one simple, unchangeable reason: any
modification to the Constitution is so essential, so crucial to the nation, that it must be done with cold reason,
dispassion, and disinterest. There should be no personal gain for anyone involved in the change, as this will
influence their decision. It must only apply to people who will be born in the future. A Constitution is not
changed to suit a particular era; rather, it is changed to establish the cornerstone of a society. If the
Constitution is modified to grant this leader a longer term, the next leader will receive it as well—and he or
she may be a lousy leader you can't get rid of for even longer.

3. Give at least two (2) examples on how the following principles is being applied in the Philippine Government:
a. Separation of Powers

1. The President has the right to veto legislation passed by Congress, and the Supreme Court has the
power to declare laws unconstitutional. The Senate and the House of Representatives are the two
chambers of Congress, and a 2/3 vote in both houses can override a presidential veto.

2. Separation of powers is demonstrated by the President's capacity to pardon without oversight, whereas
Congress's legislative power is shared by the executive (via signing and vetoing legislation) and judicial
branches (through declaring laws unconstitutional).

b. Principle of Blending of Powers

1. When it comes to establishing legislation, the President and Congress work together. The measure is
passed by Congress and signed by the President.

2. The Supreme Court has the authority to declare any treaty, international or executive agreement, or law
unlawful, as well as to invalidate any action taken by other government bodies.

c. Principle of Checks and Balances

1. Before a bill can become law, it must pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

2. Congress has the power to modify the Constitution, effectively overturning a Supreme Court ruling.