Marvin Angeles September 21, 2023

PSEC 101 – Phil Pol Parties Movements, & Interest Groups BAPS – 3B

1. What factors would account for the pragmatic and non-ideological nature of parties that emerged during
the pre-war period?
The emergence of pragmatic and non-ideological political parties during the pre-war period was due to the rise of
mass politics, increasing complexity of government, economic issues, decline of traditional ideologies, and impact
of war and international crises. These factors led to the need for practical solutions to problems rather than ideology.
The Nacionalista and Liberal parties in the Philippines were among the first to adopt this approach. They focused on
winning elections and implementing policies that would benefit the country rather than promoting any particular
ideology. It is important to note that the pragmatic and non-ideological nature of Philippine political parties has also
been criticized. Some argue that it has led to a lack of clear direction for the country, and that it has made it difficult
to address complex social and economic problems . This approach has continued to be characteristic of Philippine
political parties to this day.

2. What conditions led to the emergence of the Nationalist Party as the dominant electoral part? What
conditions led to the emergence of the Nationalist Party as the dominant electoral party of the pre-war
period?
The Nationalist Party emerged as the dominant electoral party in the pre-war period due to its strong nationalist
platform, broad appeal, strong leadership, effective organization, and favorable political environment. The party was
founded in 1907 on a platform of Philippine independence and resonated with many Filipinos eager to end American
colonial rule. It had a well-organized and disciplined grassroots organization and faced relatively weak opposition
from other political parties. The Nacionalista Party was able to win a majority of seats in the Philippine Legislature
in the 1919 and 1922 elections and the presidency in the 1935 and 1941 elections. Despite being divided into
different factions, the party maintained its unity and commitment to Philippine independence.

3. How were the political parties able to take control of the pre-war government?

Political parties were able to take control of the pre-war government in a number of ways, such as winning elections,
building alliances, and influencing government policy. The Nacionalista Party in the Philippines gained control of
the pre-war government by winning elections, having a strong grassroots organization, appealing to a broad range of
voters, and building alliances with other groups. They faced weak opposition from other political parties and a
favorable political environment due to American colonial rule and a strong desire for independence. The party was
divided into different factions and faced opposition from labor and peasant movements, but maintained control due
to its strong nationalist platform and commitment to Philippine independence. They controlled the government for
most of the period from 1919 to 1941. It is important to note that the Nacionalista Party's control of the government
was not absolute. The party was divided into different factions, and there was often conflict between the different
factions. In addition, the party faced opposition from other groups, such as the labor movement and the peasant
movement. However, the Nacionalista Party was able to maintain its control of the government due to its strong
nationalist platform and its commitment to Philippine independence.