The supreme law of the land in the Philippines.

The agency through which the will of the state is carried out.

The element of the state that refers to its fixed area of land.

The smallest state in terms of population.

The largest state by population.

The part of the territory that includes airspace.

The supreme power of the state to enforce its will within its territory.

The principle that the welfare of the people is the supreme law.

The document ratified in 1987 that serves as the Philippines' fundamental law.

The right of the state to take private property for public use.

The number of Articles in the 1987 Constitution.

The principle that sovereignty resides in the people.

The most essential and least limitable power of the state.

The term used for government through elected representatives.

The process of adding a change within the lines of the original Constitution.

The part of the Constitution that protects fundamental civil and political rights.

The branch of government that interprets the laws.

The principle that separates the Church and the State.

The body of men responsible for exercising political control.

The term that describes a government with power divided between a center and its units.

The power of the state to impose burdens on persons or property to support the government.

The essential quality of a written Constitution that is clear and definite.

The institution recognized as a basic social unit in the Constitution.

The series of limitations imposed on the powers of government.

The process of determining whether a law is within the limits of the Constitution.

The fundamental power that allows the state to regulate behavior for public welfare.

The Latin phrase meaning "the safety of the people is the supreme law."

The type of government where all powers are vested in a central government.

The process of formally modifying the Constitution.

The principle that all persons and officials must defer to the Constitution.

The organization of people living within a territory under one government.

The branch of government that creates the laws.

The system where the powers of government are separated among different branches.

The document that expresses the people's will in the Philippines.

The power that springs from the existence of the state and is independent of legislation.

The body responsible for enforcing the laws of the state.

The group of people referred to as electors in the Philippine Constitution.

The law that governs both the rich and the poor, according to the Constitution.

The term used for the state's power to impose taxes.

The ability of the state to remain free from foreign control.

The mode of changing the Constitution that alters its basic principles.

The date the 1987 Philippine Constitution was ratified by plebiscite.

The Latin phrase meaning "so use your own property as not to injure others."

The power to regulate liberty and property for public welfare.

The fundamental law that protects human rights from arbitrary political power.

The clause in the Constitution that requires the government to provide for the public’s general welfare.

The principle that holds that all government authority emanates from the people.

The process of passing laws through a legislative body.

The 1987 Constitution's provision ensuring the high sense of morality in public service.

The legal principle that government authority comes from the people.

The branch of government responsible for enforcing and implementing laws.

The legal mechanism to ensure the Constitution is followed.

The person or entity that exercises political control in the state.

The principle that guarantees the independence of the judiciary.

The concept that divides powers between the central government and local units.

The branch of government tasked with interpreting the Constitution.

The concept of having a government of laws rather than one based on men’s whims.

The basic principle of the Constitution that renounces war as a policy.

The Latin term used to express the supreme law of the land.

The concept that power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

The process by which the Philippine Constitution can be amended or revised.

The principle that ensures all laws conform to the Constitution.

The essential power that ensures the protection of health, morals, and peace.

The process of determining just compensation in the exercise of eminent domain.

The principle that no law shall be passed violating the freedom of speech.

The phrase that ensures the Philippine government is one of laws and not of men.

The role of Congress in enacting statutes consistent with the Constitution.

The legal doctrine that interprets constitutional provisions as self-executing.

The basic principle that declares civilian authority supreme over the military.

The type of democracy where citizens directly participate in decision-making.

The fundamental law that protects individual rights against state action.

The political body responsible for legislative authority in the Philippines.

The right of citizens to vote as guaranteed by the 1987 Constitution.

The institution responsible for upholding the Constitution in the Philippines.

The inherent right of the state to impose taxes on citizens.

ANSWERS FOR IDENTIFICATION

Supreme law of the land: Constitution.

Agency through which the will of the state is carried out: Government.

Element of the state referring to its fixed area of land: Territory.

Smallest state by population: Vatican City.

Largest state by population: China.

Part of the territory including airspace: Aerial domain.

Supreme power of the state: Sovereignty.

The welfare of the people is the supreme law: Salus populi est suprema lex.

Document ratified in 1987: 1987 Philippine Constitution.

Right of the state to take private property for public use: Eminent domain.

Number of Articles in the 1987 Constitution: 18 Articles.

Principle that sovereignty resides in the people: Popular sovereignty.

Most essential power of the state: Police power.

Term for government through elected representatives: Republicanism.

Process of adding a change to the original Constitution: Amendment.

Part of the Constitution protecting fundamental rights: Constitution of Liberty.

Branch that interprets the laws: Judiciary.

Principle separating Church and State: Separation of Church and State.

Person or entity exercising political control: Government.

Type of government with power divided between central and local units: Federal government.

State’s power to impose burdens on persons or property for government support: Taxation.

Quality of a written Constitution that is clear and definite: Definite.

Basic social unit recognized by the Constitution: Family.

Series of limitations imposed on the powers of government: Constitution of Liberty.

Process determining whether a law fits within Constitutional limits: Constitutional interpretation.

Fundamental power allowing regulation of behavior for public welfare: Police power.

The Latin phrase meaning "the safety of the people is the supreme law": Salus populi est suprema lex.

Government where all powers are vested in the central government: Unitary government.

Process of formally modifying the Constitution: Amendment.

Principle that all persons and officials must defer to the Constitution: Supremacy of the Constitution.

Organization of people within a territory under one government: State.

Branch of government that creates laws: Legislative.

System dividing powers among branches of government: Separation of powers.

Document that expresses the will of the people in the Philippines: Philippine Constitution.

State power that exists independent of any legislation: Inherent powers.

Body responsible for enforcing laws: Executive.

People referred to as electors in the Philippine Constitution: Voters.

Law governing both rich and poor: Constitution.

State’s power to impose taxes: Taxation.

State’s ability to remain free from foreign control: External sovereignty.

Mode of changing the Constitution that alters basic principles: Revision.

Date the 1987 Constitution was ratified by plebiscite: February 2, 1987.

Latin phrase meaning "so use your own property as not to injure others": Sic utere tuo ut alienum non
laedas.

Power to regulate liberty and property for public welfare: Police power.

Fundamental law protecting human rights from arbitrary power: Constitution.

Clause requiring the government to provide for the public’s general welfare: General Welfare Clause.

Principle that all government authority comes from the people: Popular sovereignty.

Process of passing laws through a legislative body: Legislation.

1987 Constitution's provision ensuring high public service morality: Accountability of Public Officers.

Legal principle that government authority comes from the people: Popular sovereignty.

Branch of government responsible for enforcing laws: Executive.

Legal mechanism ensuring the Constitution is followed: Judicial review.

Person or entity exercising political control: Government.

Principle guaranteeing judiciary independence: Independence of the Judiciary.

Concept dividing powers between central and local units: Federalism.

Branch of government tasked with interpreting the Constitution: Judiciary.

Concept of having a government of laws and not of men: Rule of law.

Basic principle renouncing war as national policy: Renunciation of war.

Latin term expressing the supreme law of the land: Salus populi est suprema lex.

Concept that power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely: Lord Acton’s principle.

Process by which the Constitution can be amended or revised: Constitutional amendment or revision.

Principle ensuring all laws conform to the Constitution: Constitutional supremacy.

Essential power ensuring the protection of health, morals, and peace: Police power.

Process of determining just compensation in eminent domain: Judicial determination.

Principle that no law shall be passed violating the freedom of speech: Freedom of speech clause.

Phrase ensuring the government is of laws and not of men: Rule of law.

Role of Congress in enacting statutes consistent with the Constitution: Legislative authority.

Legal doctrine interpreting Constitutional provisions as self-executing: Self-executing provisions.

Principle of civilian supremacy over the military: Civilian authority over the military.

Type of democracy where citizens directly participate in decision-making: Pure democracy.

Fundamental law protecting individual rights against state action: Constitution.

Political body responsible for legislative authority in the Philippines: Congress.

Right of citizens to vote as guaranteed by the 1987 Constitution: Suffrage.

Institution responsible for upholding the Constitution in the Philippines: Supreme Court.

Inherent right of the state to impose taxes on citizens: Taxation

50 Essay Questions

What are the elements of a state, and how do they apply to the Philippines?
What are the differences between state and nation?

How is the concept of sovereignty divided into internal and external sovereignty?

What is the role of government in society, and how does it differ from the state?

Compare and contrast unitary and federal forms of government

What are the primary differences between monarchy, oligarchy, and democracy as forms of
government?

Explain the significance of regular elections in a democratic government.

What is a constitution, and why is it considered the supreme law of the land?

How does the Philippine Constitution ensure the protection of human rights?

Why is the separation of church and state an important principle in democratic governance?

Explain the significance of the principle of civilian supremacy over the military.

What are the advantages of having a written constitution compared to an unwritten one?

How does the Constitution of the Philippines ensure the accountability of public officers?

Discuss the concept of popular sovereignty as it relates to the Philippine Constitution.

Why is the independence of the judiciary crucial for democratic governance?

How does the principle of local autonomy manifest in the Philippine political system?

What is the difference between a constitution of liberty and a constitution of government?

Explain the three essential parts of a good written constitution.

How does the power of judicial review ensure the protection of the Constitution?

What are the differences between constitutional amendments and revisions?

Why is it important to distinguish between amendments and revisions in the Constitution?

How do the fundamental powers of the state (police power, eminent domain, and taxation) function?

What are the limits to police power, and how does the test of reasonability apply?

Discuss the concept of eminent domain and its relevance in public welfare.

How does taxation serve as the lifeblood of the government?

What are the distinctions between the different kinds of constitutions (written vs. unwritten, rigid vs.
flexible)?

How does the Constitution balance the rights of individuals with the needs of the state?

What are the fundamental principles underlying the 1987 Philippine Constitution?

Why is the preamble of the Constitution important in understanding the intent of the framers?

Explain the significance of the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitution.

How does the Constitution protect the rights of future generations?

What are the mechanisms in the Constitution for resolving conflicts between different branches of
government?

How does the Constitution of the Philippines guarantee freedom of speech and expression?

Why is the right to due process considered fundamental in democratic governance?

Explain the importance of the right to vote as guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution.

What are the different modes of amending the Philippine Constitution?

How does the Constitution ensure the separation of powers between the legislative, executive, and
judicial branches?

Discuss the role of the Supreme Court as the ultimate guardian of the Constitution.

Why is it important for the Constitution to be both broad and brief?

What are the qualifications for suffrage as outlined in the Philippine Constitution?

How does the Constitution protect the family as the basic social institution?

What role does the youth play in nation-building, according to the Philippine Constitution?

Why is the renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy significant in international relations?

How does the Constitution promote gender equality and the rights of marginalized sectors?

Discuss the relationship between the Constitution and statutory laws in the Philippines.

What is the significance of the preamble in shaping the direction of government policies?

How does the principle of checks and balances operate in the Philippine Constitution?
50 Corresponding Answers

The elements of a state are people, territory, government, and sovereignty. These apply to the
Philippines through its population, territorial boundaries, established government, and its ability to
govern without external interference.

Sovereignty allows a state to control its affairs without external control, ensuring its independence and
authority within its territory.
A large population can enhance a state’s power and self-sufficiency, while a small population can allow
for more effective governance. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

A state is a political entity, while a nation refers to a group of people with shared identity. The
Philippines is both a state and a nation, having its government and shared cultural identity.

Internal sovereignty refers to control within a state's borders, while external sovereignty refers to its
independence from external powers.

The government implements the will of the state by making laws, enforcing them, and administering
public services. Unlike the state, the government can change without altering the state itself.

A unitary government centralizes power, while a federal government distributes it between the central
authority and local governments. The Philippines has a unitary system.

Monarchy involves rule by a single individual, oligarchy by a small group, and democracy by the people.
Each form has its strengths and weaknesses.

Regular elections are essential in a democracy to ensure accountability, reflect the people’s will, and
allow peaceful transitions of power.

A constitution is the highest legal authority that defines government structure, rights, and the powers of
its branches. It ensures all laws conform to its principles.

The Philippine Constitution guarantees human rights through its Bill of Rights, ensuring protections such
as due process, freedom of speech, and equality.

The separation of church and state prevents religious influence on governmental affairs, ensuring
freedom of religion for all citizens.

Civilian supremacy ensures that military power is subordinate to elected officials, preventing military
overreach in governance.

A written constitution offers clarity and stability, while unwritten constitutions evolve with traditions but
may lack transparency.

Accountability is ensured through constitutional provisions requiring public officers to act with integrity
and in the public’s interest.

Popular sovereignty means that the power of government comes from the people, as enshrined in the
preamble of the Philippine Constitution.

Judicial independence protects the judiciary from political influence, ensuring impartiality in its
decisions.

Local autonomy allows regions and provinces to govern themselves in specific areas, fostering
responsiveness to local needs.
A constitution of liberty protects civil rights, while a constitution of government outlines how the
government functions. Both are crucial for balanced governance.

A good written constitution is broad, brief, and definite, ensuring comprehensive governance while
remaining flexible to change.

The power of judicial review ensures the protection of the Constitution by allowing the courts,
particularly the Supreme Court, to interpret the constitutionality of laws and executive actions. If a law
or action is deemed unconstitutional, it is nullified. This ensures that no branch of government exceeds
its constitutional authority.

The differences between constitutional amendments and revisions lie in their scope and impact.
Amendments modify specific provisions without altering the basic principles of the Constitution, while
revisions involve a more comprehensive change that can affect the Constitution’s core principles.
Amendments usually address details, while revisions alter the structure or philosophy of the
Constitution.

Distinguishing between amendments and revisions is important because, under the 1987 Philippine
Constitution, people’s initiatives can only propose amendments, not revisions. This distinction ensures
that fundamental changes require a more thorough and deliberate process, such as a constitutional
convention or congress-initiated proposals.

The fundamental powers of the state—police power, eminent domain, and taxation—are crucial for
maintaining order, development, and public welfare. Police power allows the government to regulate
behavior for the common good; eminent domain permits the state to take private property for public
use, with just compensation; and taxation ensures the government has the necessary funds to provide
services and fulfill its functions.

The limits to police power are set by the test of reasonability, which ensures that government actions
are not arbitrary. The two-part test involves: (1) a lawful subject, meaning the regulation must protect
public interest, and (2) lawful means, meaning the method used must be appropriate and not overly
oppressive.

Eminent domain is a power that allows the state to take private property for public use, such as
infrastructure development, provided that the owner is compensated fairly. This is essential for projects
that benefit the public, such as roads, schools, and hospitals.

Taxation is considered the lifeblood of government because it provides the necessary revenue for the
government to operate, deliver public services, maintain infrastructure, and ensure the overall welfare
of society. Without taxation, the state would not be able to fulfill its functions effectively.

Written constitutions provide clarity and stability, offering a definitive guide to governance, while
unwritten constitutions allow for flexibility as they evolve with traditions. Rigid constitutions are difficult
to amend, ensuring stability, while flexible ones allow for easier adaptation to change.
The Constitution balances individual rights with the needs of the state by ensuring that personal
freedoms are protected, while also allowing the government to limit these rights when necessary for
public order, safety, and welfare. This balance is key to maintaining both liberty and security.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution is based on fundamental democratic principles, such as the sovereignty
of the people, the protection of human rights, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. These
principles ensure that power remains with the people and that the government is accountable.

The preamble of the Constitution is important because it reflects the intentions and aspirations of the
framers. It outlines the core values of the state, such as justice, equality, and the promotion of the
common good. While not legally enforceable, it provides guidance for interpreting the provisions of the
Constitution.

The rule of law is enshrined in the Constitution to ensure that everyone, including government officials,
is subject to the law. This principle protects against arbitrary governance and ensures that laws are
applied fairly and consistently.

The Constitution protects the rights of future generations by including provisions that safeguard the
environment, promote sustainable development, and ensure that resources are used wisely. It also
enshrines rights that cannot be easily taken away, ensuring long-term protection.

The Constitution provides mechanisms for resolving conflicts between branches of government, such as
judicial review, legislative oversight, and executive veto powers. These checks and balances prevent any
one branch from becoming too powerful and ensure that conflicts are settled according to the rule of
law.

Freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed by the Constitution as a fundamental right. It allows
citizens to express their views, criticize the government, and participate in democratic processes.
However, this right is not absolute and may be limited by laws that protect public order, morality, and
national security.

The right to due process is fundamental in democratic governance because it ensures that individuals
are treated fairly by the state. Before depriving someone of life, liberty, or property, the government
must follow established legal procedures, ensuring that individuals have a chance to defend themselves.

The right to vote, as guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution, empowers citizens to participate in the
democratic process by electing their representatives. This right is crucial in ensuring that the
government reflects the will of the people and remains accountable to them.

There are several modes of amending the Philippine Constitution, including through a constitutional
convention, a constituent assembly, or a people’s initiative. Each mode involves different procedures
but all require public ratification to ensure that the people approve of the changes.
The Constitution ensures the separation of powers between the three branches of government
(executive, legislative, and judicial) by clearly delineating their functions and powers. This prevents any
branch from usurping the powers of another and maintains a system of checks and balances.

The Supreme Court plays a critical role as the ultimate guardian of the Constitution by interpreting its
provisions and resolving constitutional questions. Through judicial review, the Court ensures that laws
and government actions comply with the Constitution.

The Constitution must be both broad and brief to cover all necessary areas of governance while
remaining flexible enough to adapt to changes. Its provisions focus on principles rather than specific
details, allowing for legislative and judicial interpretation when needed.

The qualifications for suffrage, as outlined in the Constitution, include Filipino citizenship, being at least
18 years old, and residing in the Philippines for at least one year and in the place of voting for at least six
months. These requirements ensure that voters have a vested interest in the country’s future.

The Constitution protects the family as the basic social institution by recognizing its importance in
nation-building and providing for its protection and development. It enshrines rights that safeguard
family life, including provisions on marriage, children, and the elderly.

The youth play a vital role in nation-building, as stated in the Constitution. It emphasizes the need to
empower young people through education, civic engagement, and leadership opportunities to ensure
their active participation in shaping the country’s future.

The renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy, enshrined in the Constitution, reflects the
country’s commitment to peace and diplomacy in resolving international conflicts. It aligns with global
norms of peaceful coexistence and cooperation.

The Constitution promotes gender equality and the rights of marginalized sectors by ensuring equal
protection under the law and providing special provisions that protect the rights of women, indigenous
peoples, and other vulnerable groups.

The Constitution stands above statutory laws in the Philippines, which must conform to its principles. If a
statute contradicts the Constitution, it can be invalidated through judicial review, ensuring that all laws
align with the fundamental values of the state.

The preamble shapes the direction of government policies by outlining the core goals of the state, such
as justice, peace, and the common good. It serves as a guiding principle for interpreting constitutional
provisions and shaping legislation.

The principle of checks and balances in the Philippine Constitution ensures that no branch of
government can dominate the others. Each branch has mechanisms to limit the powers of the others,
such as the executive veto, legislative impeachment, and judicial review.
Constitutional provisions protecting public health, safety, and welfare empower the government to
enact laws and regulations that ensure the well-being of its citizens. Police power, for example, allows
the state to regulate behavior and property for the common good, balancing individual freedoms with
societal needs.