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Essay on Philippine Politics And Governance

Students are often asked to write an essay on Philippine Politics And Governance in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Philippine Politics And Governance

Introduction to philippine politics.

Philippine politics is a blend of democracy and a republic system. The Philippines is a democratic country, meaning the people have the power to choose their leaders. The republic part means that the country has a President, who is the head of state.

The Structure of Government

The Philippine government has three branches: the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judicial. The Executive branch is led by the President. The Legislative branch makes laws and is divided into two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Judicial branch interprets laws.

Role of the President

The President of the Philippines has a vital role. They are the chief executive and the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. They are responsible for implementing laws and maintaining peace and order.

The Election Process

Elections in the Philippines are held every six years. Citizens aged 18 and above can vote. They choose their leaders, including the President, Vice President, Senators, and Representatives. These leaders are expected to serve the people and the country.

Challenges in Philippine Politics

Understanding Philippine politics and governance is crucial. It helps us understand the country’s challenges and how they can be solved. It also helps us appreciate the role of citizens in shaping the nation’s future.

250 Words Essay on Philippine Politics And Governance

Politics in the Philippines is a complex subject. It is run as a democratic republic, which means the people have the power to choose their leaders. The President is the head of the state and the government.

Elections are important events in the Philippines. They happen every six years for the President and Vice President, and every three years for other officials. The people vote for their leaders, which is a way of saying who they want to run the country.

Political Parties

There are many political parties in the Philippines. These parties represent different views and ideas. They play a big role in the elections as they support their candidates and help them win.

Role of the Government

The government has a big job to do. It has to make laws, keep the peace, and make sure people have what they need. The government is divided into three parts: the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judicial branches. Each has its own duties and powers.

Challenges in Governance

Philippine politics and governance are interesting to learn about. They show how people’s choices can shape a country. It also teaches us about the challenges of running a country and the importance of good leadership.

500 Words Essay on Philippine Politics And Governance

Introduction to philippine politics and governance.

Philippine politics and governance are interesting subjects. They are based on a democratic system, which means that the people have the power to choose their leaders. The Philippines has a president who is the head of the state, and also a prime minister who is the head of government.

The Political Structure

Political parties in the philippines.

In the Philippines, there are many political parties. These parties represent different beliefs and ideas about how the country should be run. During elections, these parties present candidates for the people to vote for. The party with the most votes usually takes control of the government.

Elections and Voting

Elections are very important in the Philippines. They are a way for people to choose their leaders and have a say in how their country is run. Voting is a right of all citizens who are 18 years old and above. During elections, people vote for their preferred candidates for various positions such as president, vice president, senators, and representatives.

Efforts for Improvement

Despite these challenges, there are efforts to improve the political system in the Philippines. Some people are working to fight corruption and promote good governance. There are also laws that aim to limit political dynasties and promote fair elections.

In conclusion, Philippine politics and governance are shaped by the democratic system, political parties, and elections. Although there are challenges such as corruption and political dynasties, there are also efforts to improve the system. Understanding these aspects can help us appreciate the importance of active participation in the political process.

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• Introduction

Neoliberalism

Social science.

• Resistance and civil society
• The new public management
• Networks, partnerships, and inclusion
• Regional governance
• International governance
• Rational choice
• The new institutionalism
• Systems theory
• Regulation theory
• Interpretive theories
• Planning and regulating
• Managing networks
• Dialogue and deliberation
• “Good” governance
• Non-majoritarian institutions
• Democratic visions

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

• United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific - What is Good Governance?
• Institute on Governance - Defining Governance
• United Nations Global Issues - Governance
• United Nations Human Rights - Good Governance Practices For The Protection of Human Rights
• Table Of Contents

governance , patterns of rule or practices of governing. The study of governance generally approaches power as distinct from or exceeding the centralized authority of the modern state .

The term governance can be used specifically to describe changes in the nature and role of the state following the public-sector reforms of the 1980s and ’90s. Typically, these reforms are said to have led to a shift from a hierarchic bureaucracy toward a greater use of markets , quasi-markets, and networks, especially in the delivery of public services. The effects of the reforms were intensified by global changes, including an increase in transnational economic activity and the rise of regional institutions such as the European Union (EU). So understood, governance expresses a widespread belief that the state increasingly depends on other organizations to secure its intentions, deliver its policies, and establish a pattern of rule.

By analogy , governance also can be used to describe any pattern of rule that arises either when the state is dependent upon others or when the state plays little or no role. For example, the term international governance often refers to the pattern of rule found at the global level where the United Nations (UN) is too weak to resemble the kind of state that can impose its will on its territory. Likewise, the term corporate governance refers to patterns of rule within businesses—that is, to the systems, institutions, and norms by which corporations are directed and controlled. So understood, governance expresses a growing awareness of the ways in which diffuse forms of power and authority can secure order even in the absence of state activity.

More generally still, governance can be used to refer to all patterns of rule, including the kind of hierarchic state that is often thought to have existed before the public-sector reforms of the 1980s and ’90s. This general use of governance enables theorists to explore abstract analyses of the construction of social orders, social coordination, or social practices irrespective of their specific content. They can divorce such abstract analyses from specific questions about, say, the state, the international system, or the corporation. However, this general usage creates the need for a more specific term, such as new governance , to refer to the changes in the state since the 1980s.

Whether one focuses on the new governance, weak states, or patterns of rule in general, the concept of governance raises issues about public policy and democracy . The increased role of non-state actors in the delivery of public services has led to a concern to improve the ability of the state to oversee these other actors. The state has become more interested in various strategies for creating and managing networks and partnerships. It has set up all kinds of arrangements for auditing and regulating other organizations. In the eyes of many observers, there has been an audit explosion. In addition, the increased role of nonelected actors in policy making suggests a need to think about the extent of their democratic accountability and about the mechanisms by which it is enforced. Similarly, accounts of growing transnational and international constraints on states suggest that a need to rethink the nature of social inclusion and social justice . Political institutions from the World Bank to the EU now use terms such as good governance to convey their aspirations for a better world.

A conceptual history of governance

A general concept of governance as a pattern of rule or as the activity of ruling has a long lineage in the English language . Nonetheless, much of the current interest in governance derives from its specific use in relation to changes in the state since the late 20th century. These changes date from neoliberal reforms of the public sector in the 1980s.

Those who advocate neoliberalism argue that the state is inherently inefficient when compared with markets . Often, neoliberals also suggest that the postwar Keynesian welfare state is in crisis: it has become too large to be manageable, it is collapsing under the burden of excessive taxation, and it is generating ever-higher rates of cyclical inflation. Neoliberals believe that the postwar state cannot be sustained any longer, especially in a world that is now characterized by highly mobile capital and by vigorous economic competition between states. Hence, they attempt to roll back the state. They often suggest, in particular, that the state should concentrate on making policy decisions rather than on delivering services. They want the state to withdraw from direct delivery of services. They want to replace state provision of public services with an entrepreneurial system based on competition and markets. Some experts distinguish between the activity of making policy decisions, which they describe as “ steering ,” and that of delivering public services, which they describe as “ rowing .” They argue that bureaucracy is bankrupt as a tool for rowing. And they propose replacing bureaucracy with an “entrepreneurial government,” based on competition, markets, customers, and measurement of outcomes.

Because neoliberals deride government, many of them look for another term to describe the kind of entrepreneurial pattern of rule they favour. Governance offers them such a concept. It enables them to distinguish between “bad” government (or rowing) and necessary governance (or steering). The early association of governance with a minimal state and the spread of markets thus arose from neoliberal politicians and the policy wonks, journalists, economists, and management gurus who advised them.

Those advocating neoliberal policies often draw on rational choice theory . Rational choice theory extends a type of social explanation found in microeconomics. Typically, rational choice theorists attempt to explain social outcomes by reference to micro-level analyses of individual behaviour, and they model individual behaviour on the assumption that people choose the course of action that is most in accord with their preferences. Rational choice theorists influence neoliberal attitudes to governance in large part by way of a critique of the concept of public interest. Their insistence that individuals, including politicians and civil servants, act in their own interest undermines the idea that policy makers act benevolently to promote a public interest. Indeed, their reduction of social facts to the actions of individuals casts doubt on the idea of a public interest beyond the aggregate interests of individuals. More specifically, rational choice theorists provide neoliberals with a critique of bureaucratic government. Often they combine the claim that individuals act according to their preferences with an assumption that these preferences are typically to maximize one’s wealth or power. Hence, they argue that bureaucrats act to optimize their power and career prospects by increasing the size of their fiefdoms even when doing so is unnecessary. This argument implies that bureaucracies have an inbuilt tendency to grow even when there is no good reason for them so to do.

Because rational choice theory privileges micro-level analyses, it might appear to have peculiar difficulties explaining the rise of institutions and perhaps their persistent stability. Microeconomic analysis has long faced this issue in the guise of the existence of firms. Once rational choice theorists extend such microanalysis to government and social life generally, they face the same issue with respect to all kinds of institutions, including political parties, voting coalitions, and the market economy itself. The question is, If individuals act in accord with their preferences, why don’t they break agreements when these agreements no longer suit them? The obvious answer is that some authority would punish them if they broke the agreement, and they prefer not being punished. But this answer assumes the presence of a higher authority that can enforce the agreement. Some rational choice theorists thus began to explore how they might explain the rise and stability of norms, agreements, or institutions in the absence of any higher authority. They adopted the concept of governance to refer to norms and patterns of rule that arise and persist even in the absence of an enforcing agent.

The neoliberal concept of governance as a minimal state conveys a preference for less government. Arguably, it often does little else, being an example of empty political rhetoric . Indeed, when social scientists study neoliberal reforms of the public sector, they often conclude that these reforms have scarcely rolled back the state at all. They draw attention instead to the unintended consequences of the reforms. According to many social scientists, the neoliberal reforms fragmented service delivery and weakened central control without establishing proper markets. In their view, the reforms led to a proliferation of policy networks in both the formulation of public policy and the delivery of public services.

The 1990s saw a massive outpouring of work that conceived of governance as a proliferation of networks . Much of this literature explores the ways in which neoliberal reforms created new patterns of service delivery based on complex sets of organizations drawn from all of the public, private, and voluntary sectors. It suggests that a range of processes—including the functional differentiation of the state, the rise of regional blocs, globalization , and the neoliberal reforms themselves—left the state increasingly dependent on other organizations for the delivery and success of its policies. Although social scientists adopt various theories of policy networks, and so different analyses of the new pattern of rule, they generally agree that the state can no longer command others. In their view, the new governance is characterized by networks in which the state and other organizations depend on each other. Even when the state remains the dominant organization, it and the other members of the network are interdependent in that they have to exchange resources if they are to achieve their goals. Many social scientists argue that this interdependence means that the state has to steer other organizations instead of issuing commands to them. They also imply that steering involves a much greater use by the state of diplomacy and related techniques of management. Some social scientists also suggest that the proliferating networks often have a considerable degree of autonomy from the state. In this view, the key problem posed by the new governance is that it reduces the ability of the state not only to command but even to steer effectively.

Social scientists have developed a concept of governance as a complex and fragmented pattern of rule composed of multiplying networks. They have done so partly because of studies of the impact of neoliberal reforms on the public sector. But two other strands of social science also gave rise to this concept of governance. First, a concept of governance as networks arose among social scientists searching for a way to think about the role of transnational linkages within the EU. Second, a concept of governance as networks appeals to some social scientists interested in general issues about social coordination and interorganizational links. These latter social scientists argue that networks are a distinct governing structure through which to coordinate activities and allocate resources. They develop typologies of such governing structures—most commonly bureaucracies, markets, and networks—and they identify the characteristics associated with each structure. Their typologies often imply that networks are preferable, at least in some circumstances, to the bureaucratic structures of the post-World War II state and to the markets favoured by neoliberals. This positive valuation of networks sometimes led to what might be called a second wave of public-sector reform.

Essay on Politics for Students and Children

500+ words essay on politics.

When we hear the term politics, we usually think of the government, politicians and political parties. For a country to have an organized government and work as per specific guidelines, we require a certain organization. This is where politics comes in, as it essentially forms the government. Every country, group and organization use politics to instrument various ways to organize their events, prospects and more.

Politics does not limit to those in power in the government. It is also about the ones who are in the run to achieve the same power. The candidates of the opposition party question the party on power during political debates . They intend to inform people and make them aware of their agenda and what the present government is doing. All this is done with the help of politics only.

Dirty Politics

Dirty politics refers to the kind of politics in which moves are made for the personal interest of a person or party. It ignores the overall development of a nation and hurts the essence of the country. If we look at it closely, there are various constituents of dirty politics.

The ministers of various political parties, in order to defame the opposition, spread fake news and give provocative speeches against them. This hampers with the harmony of the country and also degrades the essence of politics . They pass sexist remarks and instill hate in the hearts of people to watch their party win with a majority of seats.

Read 500 Words Essay on Corruption Here

Furthermore, the majority of politicians are corrupt. They abuse their power to advance their personal interests rather than that of the country. We see the news flooded with articles like ministers and their families involving in scams and illegal practices. The power they have makes them feel invincible which is why they get away with any crime.

Before coming into power, the government makes numerous promises to the public. They influence and manipulate them into thinking all their promises will be fulfilled. However, as soon as they gain power, they turn their back on the public. They work for their selfish motives and keep fooling people in every election. Out of all this, only the common suffers at the hands of lying and corrupt politicians.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Lack of Educated Ministers

If we look at the scenario of Indian elections, any random person with enough power and money can contest the elections. They just need to be a citizen of the country and be at least 25 years old. There are a few clauses too which are very easy.

The strangest thing is that contesting for elections does not require any minimum education qualification. Thus, we see how so many uneducated and non-deserving candidates get into power and then misuse it endlessly. A country with uneducated ministers cannot develop or even be on the right path.

We need educated ministers badly in the government. They are the ones who can make the country progress as they will handle things better than the illiterate ones. The candidates must be well-qualified in order to take on a big responsibility as running an entire nation. In short, we need to save our country from corrupt and uneducated politicians who are no less than parasites eating away the development growth of the country and its resources. All of us must unite to break the wheel and work for the prosperous future of our country.

FAQs on Politics

Q.1 Why is the political system corrupt?

A.1 Political system is corrupt because the ministers in power exercise their authority to get away with all their crimes. They bribe everyone into working for their selfish motives making the whole system corrupt.

Q.2 Why does India need educated ministers?

A.2 India does not have a minimum educational qualification requirement for ministers. This is why the uneducated lot is corrupting the system and pushing the country to doom. We need educated ministers so they can help the country develop with their progressive thinking.

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1.1 Defining Politics: Who Gets What, When, Where, How, and Why?

Learning outcomes.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Define and describe politics from various perspectives.
• Identify what makes a behavior political.
• Identify and discuss the three core elements of any political event: rules, reality, and choices.
• Define and discuss varieties of constitutions.

Politics has existed as long as humans have faced scarcity, have had different beliefs and preferences, and have had to resolve these differences while allocating scarce resources. It will continue to exist so long as these human conditions persist—that is, forever. Politics are fundamental to the human condition.

Politics means different things to different people. Politics , and related terms like political and politician , can have both positive and negative connotations. The Greek philosopher Aristotle argued that humans were “political animals” in that only by engaging in politics could humans reach their highest potential. 5 Yet often, the terms political and politician can be used in disparaging ways to refer to individuals using trickery or manipulation to obtain or preserve their status or authority. More formally, a politician is someone running for elective office or serving in it or as a person who is using the skills of a politician in other social interaction. A political actor is anyone who is engaged in political activity. Politics involves all the actions of government and all the people who work for, serve, or challenge it.

This book takes the broadest view, adopting the guidance of political scientist Harold Lasswell , who defined politics as “who gets what, when, how.” 6 Politics exists wherever people interact with one another to make decisions that affect them collectively. Politics exists within families. When parents decide where the family will live: politics. The family (who) gets a place to live (what) at the point of decision (when) based on the parents’ choice (how). When your school decides what tuition to charge: politics. When the government imposes taxes or funds education: politics. Most generally, politics is any interaction among individuals, groups, or institutions that seek to arrive at a decision about how to make a collective choice, or to solve some collective problem. Political science focuses primarily on these interactions as they involve governments. 7

Every political event is different. The mass protests in Hong Kong in 2020, inspired by those seeking to protect their political rights, were not exactly the same as the Black Lives Matter protests in the United States or the climate change actions animated by Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg . Yet as varied as political situations can be, there are commonalities across these events and over all political activities. Whenever you seek to understand a political event—whether an election in Tanzania, a protest in Estonia, or a public health program in Indonesia—it is useful to focus on the following:

What are the most important rules ? What is the reality of the existing event or environment? What choices do the participants make? Political outcomes—for example, which candidate wins an election—are based on the interaction of these rules, realities, and choices.

The importance of rules in politics or in life cannot be overstated. In virtually every human endeavor, the most successful individuals are likely to have a keen knowledge of the rules and how to use (or break) the rules to the advantage of their cause. Ignorance of the rules makes accomplishing your goals more difficult.

Rules can be highly precise or open to interpretation. In chess, for example, the rules are completely known to all players: each piece can move in certain directions but in no other ones. Each player takes a turn; that’s the rule. Although chess is highly complex, each player’s options at any given time are known. Chess champions—in fact, all champions—know how to use the rules to their advantage.

College campuses have their own sets of formal and informal rules, and not all of them are as precise as those in chess. The de jure rules are the rules as they are written, the formal rules. The de facto rules are the ones actually practiced or enforced, the informal rules. For example: a sign might state that the ( de jure ) speed limit is 55 miles per hour, but if police do not give tickets to drivers unless they are driving 65 miles per hour, then that is the de facto rule. To thrive at college, it is useful to understand not only the formal rules but also the informal rules, which have been called “the hidden curriculum.” 8

The rules in any political environment affect who has power and how they can use it. Consider the rules that determine who can vote and how. These rules can be permissive or strict, making voting either easier or harder to do. The harder it is to vote, the fewer people will actually cast their ballots and vice versa. Voting rules influence who shows up to vote. Politicians who believe they have a better chance of success under permissive voting rules are likely to advocate for such rules, while politicians who believe they are more likely to prevail under restrictive voting rules will advocate for them instead.

Rules might appear to be neutral—that is, they may seem fair and not designed to favor one group over another—but this is not entirely true. Until recently, to become a pilot in the US Air Force, a person had to be no shorter than 5 feet 4 inches and no taller than 6 feet 5 inches: the short and the tall were excluded from this opportunity. The rule might be in place for a good reason—in this case, to ensure that pilots can fit properly into their seats—but rules like these allocate opportunities and resources to some while withholding them from others. Because this rule excluded over 40 percent of American women from becoming pilots, it has been modified. 9

Rules are everywhere in politics. Your family has rules—even if the main rule is “no rules”—as does your school. Rules, such as Robert’s Rules of Order , 10 govern legislatures, and the criminal justice system, the tax system, and the national immigration systems are all based, at least in principle, on rules.

Rules and institutions are closely related. The institution of marriage or the institution of the family, for example, are the sets of rules (rights, roles, and responsibilities) by which those within the marriage or family live. Alternatively, institutions can be organizations, which are groups of people working together for a common purpose whose actions are governed by rules.

Perhaps the most important set of rules for any institution or organization is its constitution . The constitution affirms the most basic legal principles of a country or a state. These principles typically include the structure of the government, its duties, and the rights of the people. Constitutions can be quite general or extremely detailed. The Constitution of Monaco has fewer than 4,000 words, while the Constitution of India has nearly 150,000 words. 11 Unlike the United States, some countries, including Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, do not have a single document they call the constitution but instead rely on other written and even unwritten sources. In most countries the constitution is called just that—the constitution—although Germany, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and a few other countries call their constitutions the basic law. 12

What Is a Constitution?

Constitutions define the relationship between people and their government. They give powers to and place limits upon the government and serve as the basis for any other laws or government activities.

Constitutions are perhaps the most important set of rules in a country because, after all, they are just pieces of paper. The true importance of a country’s constitution depends on the politics of that country. In the United States, the Constitution is venerated almost as if it were a religious document. Most of the biggest conflicts throughout US history have involved disputes over what the Constitution requires, allows, or prohibits. When the US Supreme Court rules that a political action is unconstitutional, the violator—whether it be the president, the Congress, or any other group or individual in society—is expected to comply with the ruling and stop the action. 13 But this is not always the case everywhere. Politicians in any country may be tempted to ignore their constitutions, especially when it comes to the rights they ostensibly guarantee, and whether those politicians prevail depends on whether other political actors are willing and able to uphold the constitution.

Because rules affect the allocation of power and other scarce resources, political actors spend substantial time and effort fighting over them. In general, political actors seek to establish rules that benefit them and their allies.

Rules guide and constrain behavior, but the reality on the ground at any specific time also impacts political outcomes. Reality —facts—is not a matter of opinion, although people can dispute the nature of reality. Something is a fact , for example, when there is compelling evidence that an event has happened or a condition exists. The sun rises in the East: reality. The United Nations is an international organization: fact (reality). 14 Has the United Nations made the world a better place? That is a matter of opinion, although those who say “yes” or “no” can provide facts that support their views about reality. 15

How candidates can raise and spend money on their electoral campaigns may be limited by campaign finance laws, but if one candidate raises twice as much money as the other candidate, that is an important fact. If one candidate is the incumbent —a politician already serving in office and running for reelection—and the other is not, that is an important fact. These are important facts because whether or not a candidate is an incumbent and how much campaign money they raise may affect their chances of winning the election. In US elections, for example, incumbents generally have a better chance of being elected (although the strength of this relationship has varied over time), while the impact of fundraising on electoral success is open to question. 16

In chess, the rules are constant, never changing during the game. The reality changes as play proceeds—at any moment each player has a specific number of pieces in particular places on the board. What happens then depends on the choices the players make. This is as true for politics as for any other game. A key difference between chess and politics is that, in politics, the players themselves can change the rules of the game while they are playing.

Politics can be thought of as having the characteristics of a game. The players—anyone involved in political action—make strategic choices, given the rules and the current conditions, in an attempt to “win” the game by obtaining their goals.

Rules provide constraints and opportunities. Reality presents resources and challenges. The choices participants make in the face of rules and reality determine political outcomes. Choice exists whenever political actors face options, which they always do. If there are two candidates in an election for a single position, the voter has to choose between them, not being able to vote for both. Even if there is only one candidate, the voter still has an option: to vote for the candidate or to abstain.

In a democracy , the winning candidate wins because more voters chose to vote, and vote for that candidate, than for other options. The very definition of democracy is that it is a form of government in which the people have the ability to choose their leaders or, in some cases, the policies that they will adopt. 17

Political outcomes are always contingent; they cannot be predicted with certainty in advance. That does not mean, however, that outcomes are completely unpredictable. By accounting for the rules, how human behavior works, and existing realities, it is possible to reasonably predict what is likely to happen and explain what does happen.

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• Authors: Mark Carl Rom, Masaki Hidaka, Rachel Bzostek Walker
• Publisher/website: OpenStax
• Book title: Introduction to Political Science
• Publication date: May 18, 2022
• Location: Houston, Texas
• Book URL: https://openstax.org/books/introduction-political-science/pages/1-introduction
• Section URL: https://openstax.org/books/introduction-political-science/pages/1-1-defining-politics-who-gets-what-when-where-how-and-why

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Essay on Politics: Topics, Tips, and Examples for Students

Defining What is Politics Essay

The process of decision-making that applies to members of a group or society is called politics. Arguably, political activities are the backbone of human society, and everything in our daily life is a form of it.

Understanding the essence of politics, reflecting on its internal elements, and critically analyzing them make society more politically aware and let them make more educated decisions. Constantly thinking and analyzing politics is critical for societal evolution.

Political thinkers often write academic papers that explore different political concepts, policies, and events. The essay about politics may examine a wide range of topics such as government systems, political ideologies, social justice, public policies, international relations, etc.

After selecting a specific research topic, a writer should conduct extensive research, gather relevant information, and prepare a logical and well-supported argument. The paper should be clear and organized, complying with academic language and standards. A writer should demonstrate a deep understanding of the subject, an ability to evaluate and remain non-biased to different viewpoints, and a capacity to draw conclusions.

Now that we are on the same page about the question 'what is politics essay' and understand its importance, let's take a deeper dive into how to build a compelling political essay, explore the most relevant political argumentative essay topics, and finally, examine the political essay examples written by the best essay writing service team.

Politics Essay Example for Students

If you are still unsure how to structure your essay or how to present your statement, don't worry. Our team of experts has prepared an excellent essay example for you. Feel free to explore and examine it. Use it to guide you through the writing process and help you understand what a successful essay looks like.

How to Write a Political Essay: Tips + Guide

A well-written essay is easy to read and digest. You probably remember reading papers full of big words and complex ideas that no one bothered to explain. We all agree that such essays are easily forgotten and not influential, even though they might contain a very important message.

If you are writing an essay on politics, acknowledge that you are on a critical mission to easily convey complicated concepts. Hence, what you are trying to say should be your main goal. Our guide on how to write a political essay will help you succeed.

Conduct Research for Your Politics Essay

After choosing a topic for the essay, take enough time for preparation. Even if you are familiar with the matter, conducting thorough research is wiser. Political issues are complex and multifaceted; comprehensive research will help you understand the topic better and offer a more nuanced analysis.

Research can help you identify different viewpoints and arguments around the topic, which can be beneficial for building more impartial and persuasive essays on politics. Sometimes in the hit of the moment, opposing sides are not able to see the common ground; your goal is to remain rational, speak to diverse audiences, and help them see the core of the problem and the ways to solve it.

In political papers, accuracy and credibility are vital. Researching the topic deeply will help you avoid factual errors or misrepresentations from any standpoint. It will allow you to gather reliable sources of information and create a trustworthy foundation for the entire paper.

If you want to stand out from the other students, get inspired by the list of hottest essay ideas and check out our political essay examples.

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Brainstorm Political Essay Topics

The next step to writing a compelling politics essay is to polish your thoughts and find the right angle to the chosen topic.

Before you start writing, generate fresh ideas and organize your thoughts. There are different techniques to systematize the mess going on in your head, such as freewriting, mind mapping, or even as simple as listing ideas. This will open the doors to new angles and approaches to the topic.

When writing an essay about politics, ensure the topic is not too general. It's always better to narrow it down. It will simplify your job and help the audience better understand the core of the problem. Brainstorming can help you identify key points and arguments, which you can use to find a specific angle on the topic.

Brainstorming can also help you detect informational gaps that must be covered before the writing process. Ultimately, the brainstorming phase can bring a lot more clarity and structure to your essay.

We know how exhausting it is to come up with comparative politics essay topics. Let our research paper writing service team do all the hard work for you.

Create Your Politics Essay Thesis Statement

Thesis statements, in general, serve as a starting point of the roadmap for the reader. A political essay thesis statement outlines the main ideas and arguments presented in the body paragraphs and creates a general sense of the content of the paper.

Creating a thesis statement for essays about politics in the initial stages of writing can help you stay focused and on track throughout the working process. You can use it as an aim and constantly check your arguments and evidence against it. The question is whether they are relevant and supportive of the statement.

Get creative when creating a statement. This is the first sentence readers will see, and it should be compelling and clear.

The following is a great example of a clear and persuasive thesis statement:

 'The lack of transparency and accountability has made the World Trade Organization one of the most controversial economic entities. Despite the influence, its effectiveness in promoting free trade and economic growth in developing countries has decreased.'

Provide Facts in Your Essay about Politic

It's a no-brainer that everything you will write in your essay should be supported by strong evidence. The credibility of your argument will be questioned every step of the way, especially when you are writing about sensitive subjects such as essays on government influence on economic troubles. 

Provide facts and use them as supporting evidence in your politics essay. They will help you establish credibility and accuracy and take your paper out of the realm of speculation and mere opinions.

Facts will make your essay on political parties more persuasive, unbiased, and targeted to larger audiences. Remember, the goal is to bring the light to the core of the issue and find a solution, not to bring people even farther apart.

Speaking of facts, many students claim that when they say ' write my essay for me ' out loud, our writing team is the fastest to respond and deliver high-quality essays meeting their trickiest requirements.

Structure Your Political Essay

Your main goal is to communicate your ideas to many people. To succeed, you need to write an essay that is easy to read and understand. Creating a structure will help you present your ideas logically and lead the readers in the right direction.

Sometimes when writing about political essay topics, we get carried away. These issues can be very emotional and sensitive, and writers are not protected from becoming victims of their own writings. Having a structure will keep you on track, only focusing on providing supported arguments and relevant information.

Start with introducing the thesis statement and provide background information. Followed by the body paragraphs and discuss all the relevant facts and standpoints. Finish it up with a comprehensive conclusion, and state the main points of your essay once again.

The structure will also save you time. In the beginning, creating an outline for essays on politics will give you a general idea of what should be written, and you can track your progress against it.

Revise and Proofread Your Final Politics Essay

Once every opinion is on the paper and every argument is well-constructed, one final step should be taken. Revision!

We know nothing is better than finishing the homework and quickly submitting it, but we aim for an A+. Our political essay must be reviewed. You need to check if there is any error such as grammatical, spelling, or contextual.

Take some time off, relax, and start proofreading after a few minutes or hours. Having a fresh mind will help you review not only grammar but also the arguments. Check if something is missing from your essays about politics, and if you find gaps, provide additional information.

You had to spend a lot of time on them, don't give up now. Make sure they are in perfect condition.

Effective Political Essay Topics

We would be happy if our guide on how to write political essays helped you, but we are not stopping there. Below you will find a list of advanced and relevant political essay topics. Whether you are interested in global political topics or political science essay topics, we got you covered.

Once you select a topic, don't forget to check out our politics essay example! It will bring even more clarity, and you will be all ready to start writing your own paper.

Political Argumentative Essay Topics

Now that we know how to write a political analysis essay let's explore political argumentative essay topics:

• Should a political party take a stance on food politics and support policies promoting sustainable food systems?
• Should we label Winston Churchill as the most influential political figure of World War II?
• Does the focus on GDP growth in the political economy hinder the human development index?
• Is foreign influence a threat to national security?
• Is foreign aid the best practice for political campaigning?
• Does the electoral college work for an ideal political system?
• Are social movements making a real difference, or are they politically active for temporary change?
• Can global politics effectively address political conflicts in the modern world?
• Are opposing political parties playing positive roles in US international relations?
• To what extent should political influence be allowed in addressing economic concerns?
• Can representative democracy prevent civil wars in ethnically diverse countries?
• Should nuclear weapons be abolished for the sake of global relations?
• Is economic development more important than ethical issues for Caribbean politics?
• What role should neighboring nations play in preventing human rights abuse in totalitarian regimes?
• Should political decisions guide the resolution of conflicts in the South China Sea?

Political Socialization Essay Topics

Knowing how to write a political issue essay is one thing, but have you explored our list of political socialization essay topics?

• To what extent does a political party or an influential political figure shape the beliefs of young people?
• Does political influence shape attitudes toward environmental politics?
• How can individuals use their own learning process to navigate political conflicts in a polarized society?
• How do political strategies shape cultural globalization?
• Is gender bias used as a political instrument in political socialization?
• How can paying attention to rural communities improve political engagement?
• What is the role of Amnesty International in preventing the death penalty?
• What is the role of politically involved citizens in shaping minimum wage policies?
• How does a political party shape attitudes toward global warming?
• How does the federal system influence urban planning and attitudes toward urban development?
• What is the role of public opinion in shaping foreign policy, and how does it affect political decision making
• Did other countries' experiences affect policies on restricting immigration in the US?
• How can note-taking skills and practice tests improve political engagement? 
• How do the cultural values of an independent country shape the attitudes toward national security?
• Does public opinion influence international intervention in helping countries reconcile after conflicts?

Political Science Essay Topics

If you are searching for political science essay topics, check our list below and write the most compelling essay about politic:

• Is environmental education a powerful political instrument? 
• Can anarchist societies provide a viable alternative to traditional forms of governance?
• Pros and cons of deterrence theory in contemporary international relations
• Comparing the impact of the French Revolution and World War II on the political landscape of Europe
• The role of the ruling political party in shaping national policies on nuclear weapons
• Exploring the roots of where politics originate
• The impact of civil wars on the processes of democratization of the third-world countries
• The role of international organizations in promoting global health
• Does using the death penalty in the justice system affect international relations?
• Assessing the role of the World Trade Organization in shaping global trade policies
• The political and environmental implications of conventional agriculture
• The impact of the international court on political decision making
• Is philosophical anarchism relevant to contemporary political discourse?
• The emergence of global citizenship and its relationship with social movements
• The impact of other countries on international relations between the US and China

Final Words

See? Writing an essay about politic seems like a super challenging job, but in reality, all it takes is excellent guidance, a well-structured outline, and an eye for credible information.

If you are stressed out from juggling a hundred different course assignments and have no time to focus on your thesis, our dissertation writing services could relieve you! Our team of experts is ready to take over even the trickiest tasks on the tightest schedule. You just have to wish - ' write my essay ' out loud, and we will be on it!

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Annie Lambert

specializes in creating authoritative content on marketing, business, and finance, with a versatile ability to handle any essay type and dissertations. With a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a passion for social issues, her writing not only educates but also inspires action. On EssayPro blog, Annie delivers detailed guides and thought-provoking discussions on pressing economic and social topics. When not writing, she’s a guest speaker at various business seminars.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Understanding Culture, Society and Politics

Political structures in the philippines (part i).

• Teaching Resources

Author: Ruth Lusterio-Rico

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Lesson 1: Right to Rule and the Social Contract

Lesson Objectives

At the end of the lesson, the student is expected to be able to:

• Define political structures; 
• Explain the concepts of power, authority, legitimacy, rights, social contract, constitution;
• Appraise arguments about the bases of existence of political structures; and
• Examine the functions of political structures, particularly, in Philippine society today.

Key Concepts

• Political Institutions – system of behaviors occurring in governance; also “political structures”
• Power –  ability to do something in order to achieve a desired outcome 
• Authority – rightful or legitimate power
• Social Contract – agreement made by the members of society with those with authority that determines their relations with one another
• Political Obligation – responsibility of citizens to abide by or follow the government

Study Guide 

Introduction to the Lesson: 

• To have an idea about who Thomas Hobbes was and what England was like during his lifetime:
• Read this short article on the Life and Works of Thomas Hobbes by Duncan, Stewart, “Thomas Hobbes”,  The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy  (Spring 2019 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hobbes/#1
• Watch this short video on Thomas Hobbes and England in the 17 th century, https://youtu.be/9i4jb5XBX5s .
• Read the excerpts from the Leviathan in Curtis, ed. Great Political Theories , Vol. 1, pp. 296-315.
• To know who John Locke was:
• Read about the life and works of John Locke from this article from the International Encyclopedia of Philosophy, https://iep.utm.edu/locke/#H1  
• Watch this video clip on the life and legacy of John Locke, https://youtu.be/b2NnEfhQ15M . 
• Read the excerpts from the Second Treatise of Civil Government (Curtis, ed. Great Political Theories, Vol. 1, pp. 337-354).
• To learn more about Rousseau and his contributions:
• Read about his life and works from this article, https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/rousseau/#Life ; 
• Watch this video, Jean Jacques Rousseau Biography https://youtu.be/VqOaG24aPSc ; and   
• Read the excerpts from the Social Contract (Ebenstein and Ebenstein, Great Political Thinkers, pp. 505-506, 508-520).

  The Social Contract Theory

As we know, power is found in different types of social and political structures. In its broadest meaning, power refers to the ability to do something in order to achieve a desired outcome. Legitimate power – or one that is recognized to be rightful – is called authority . Thus, a person is obeyed by others because he or she is recognized as a rightful or legitimate leader. The sociologist, Max Weber (1864-1920) studied the transformation of societies and observed that the bases of the legitimacy of rule vary in different types of societies. Weber identified three pure types of authority: traditional, charismatic, and legal-rational. In certain cases, the type of authority may be a mix of these types.

Political structures in different societies have evolved over time. Historical experiences (such as having been colonized) and cultural practices are some of the factors that have influenced the development and functioning of political structures in various societies. The so-called Social Contract Theory from the ideas of three political thinkers who lived from the 16 th to the 18 th centuries, namely, Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679), John Locke (1632 to 1704) and Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1788), offer some explanations about the nature of the state and its institutions, the power that the rulers of the state exercise, and the rights of the citizens. In a nutshell, these ideas provide explanations about why societies and governments were formed. 

Oftentimes, a state is thought of to be synonymous with government. Many Filipinos, in fact, may tend to think of the state in this way. This is understandable because the state exercises its power through the government and its various institutions. However, the state, as defined above, is much more than the government.

There are many views regarding the origin and nature of the state. From the Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle, we learn that the state is a natural institution. It is natural because it emerges from the necessity to work together so that certain needs can be met and goals can be achieved. Thus, the state exists because people need to live together. 

Human beings are by nature social beings. Aristotle, for instance, believed that a person who does not live in a society is either a beast (animal) or a god (does not need another being to provide for their needs). Based on this perspective, a state exists not for the sake of itself but to achieve a higher good, such as the happiness of the entire community—what we call the common good. For his part, the Italian thinker, Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527), argued that the state exists for the sake of itself, i.e., to get, collect, and expand power. 

The Social Contract Theory presents another view: the state and the institutions of society are seen as products of a social contract – an agreement made by the members of society that defines and influences their interactions, particularly with those in authority. As mentioned above, there are three major ideas regarding the nature of the social contract. The English philosopher, Thomas Hobbes, thought that the agreement came about because of the need to guarantee the security of the people. The main role of the political ruler was to maintain order and security within society. Another English philosopher, John Locke, thought that the social contract was needed to guarantee the fair and impartial enforcement of the law. For Locke, human beings lived in a state of nature governed by rationality and natural law. The primary function of the state, as defined by the social contract, is to guarantee that individuals exercise their natural rights to life, liberty, and property. A third view on the social contract, articulated by the French philosopher, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, emphasizes the idea of the natural equality of human beings. Therefore, the only justified authority is one that emerges from an agreement among all in which each particular will has been submitted to the general will. What this means is that no person or entity possesses the right to rule over people unless everyone has agreed to such rule. The power exercised by the state is only made possible because the citizens have given their consent and have expressed their will to be governed. The ideas of the social contract are elaborated below.

Important ideas from Hobbes’ Leviathan

Thomas Hobbes’ masterpiece was the Leviathan, published in 1651. In this work, Hobbes wrote about his idea of a social contract and argued that it (the social contract) was necessary for men to live peacefully and securely under the absolute rule of the Leviathan (the ruler). Some scholars have commented that Hobbes’ social contract theory rests on his theory of human nature.

In The Leviathan (1651), Hobbes wrote on the following ideas:

• Nature of the human being : for Hobbes, all human beings enjoy absolute equality; they desire the same thing: power. The “right of nature” is the liberty each man has “to use his own power, as he will himself, for the preservation of his own nature; that is to say, of his own life”.
• State of nature : a state of war where there is no guarantee for one’s life; life in the state of nature is “nasty, poor, brutish, and short”.
• Reason for the establishment of the social contract : self-preservation; people gave up their rights to protect their lives: they have transferred their natural rights to the ruler for the preservation of their lives; sovereign power has been transferred by the people to the ruler
• Role of the Leviathan : to protect people from themselves; without the social contract (therefore, without the Leviathan), there can be no order
• Obligation of subjects : preserve the social contract by following the ruler; disobedience or rebellion against the government is tantamount to going back to the state of nature, which is a state of war.

Political Obligation refers to the duty of citizens to obey a government that has the right to rule or is legitimate. The agreement that people have made for themselves (social contract) is a basis of political obligation. People obey their rulers because they have given political rulers the right to rule. Basically, this is used to justify absolutism and authoritarianism. Under such systems, citizens are viewed merely as subjects who have given up their rights and therefore have no right to resist or even question their rulers. For example, if one lives under this government described by Hobbes (i.e., an authoritarian or absolutist government), a citizen who is accused of rebellion or any crime would have no right to defend himself or herself. It would not matter whether the citizen is guilty or not.

| Self-Evaluation Form (Part I)

Answer the following questions.

1.What do you already know about the lesson/topic?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.What do you want to know more about the lesson/topic?

• Sub-Lesson 1: Important ideas from Locke’s Second Treatise

The second version of the Social Contract Theory comes from another English philosopher, John Locke. Locke’s version of the social contract theory differs from that of Hobbes. Both Hobbes and Locke lived during the 17th century, which was a period of chaos in England. If Hobbes argued for absolutism in the Leviathan, Locke’s social contract theory justified the right of the people to resist tyrannical rule. Below are some of the important ideas from the work of Locke:

State of nature: a state of “perfect freedom”; but inconveniences arise from the practice of equality of all, i.e., in terms of their life, liberty, and possessions Nature of man: equal with other men; rational: man has reason that enables him to determine what is right from wrong and recognize the rights of other men Civil society: established by the social contract; to address the inconveniences that arise from the state of nature so that each man does not become the judge of his own case Social contract: does not mean that people have given up their rights, but the goal of the institution of civil society is the enhancement of one’s rights to life, liberty, and property. Role of government: not to rule absolutely but to rule over people as their trustee; sovereignty has not been given up by the people but has been entrusted to the government; people have the right to resist when the ruler has become abusive.

Comparing the ideas of the two English philosophers, we can clearly see the differences in their perspectives. In the Hobbesian version of the social contract, the citizens’ rights have already been lost, since they gave it up for the sake of securing their lives. What this means in practical terms is that the citizens’ right to express their views and be heard by the Leviathan has been lost. The Leviathan governs and all the people need to do is to follow. In contrast, for Locke, while the government exercises power on behalf of the people, they (the citizens) have not lost their rights to express their views and even to resist a bad government. As noted above, the people have not given up their rights but have only entrusted their rights to the government. Therefore, the citizens have every right to take back what they have entrusted to the government. Finally, as the trustee, the role of the government is to make sure that the people’s right to life, liberty, and property is enhanced. The role of government therefore is to make people’s lives better.

• Sub-Lesson 2: Important ideas from Rousseau’s Social Contract

A third version of the Social Contract Theory emerged from one of the works of the French philosopher, Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Of the three social contract theorists, Rousseau was the only one who did not have close contacts with people in the aristocracy or work with people in power. The French writer had an interesting background, and unlike Hobbes and Locke, he did not attend prestigious schools or universities. The third version of the theory from Rousseau will, hopefully, enrich your assessment of views on the relationship between the state (particularly those who are in power) and society. The following are excerpts from Rousseau’s The Social Contract (1762).

– “Man is born free; and everywhere he is in chains”. This was Rousseau’s way of expressing how the society of his time did not recognize the natural freedom of individuals.

– In the state of nature, man is free but ruled by his instincts or appetite. Therefore, he is not truly free.

– For Rousseau, the purpose of the social contract is “…to form an association which will defend and protect with the whole common force the person and goods of each associate, and in which each, while uniting himself with all, may still obey himself alone, and remain as free as before”. What this means is that, for Rousseau, the purpose of the social contract is the enhancement of one’s liberty. Like Hobbes and Locke, Rousseau believed that a person is naturally free. However, in the state of nature, such freedom possessed by a person cannot be considered real or true freedom. Why is this so? It is because such natural freedom is exercised by a person who is governed simply by his or her natural instincts. To become a better human being exercising true freedom, Rousseau believed that a person must live in a society. This is what it means when Rousseau wrote that, “Man can be forced to be free.” A person learns about true freedom – first, civil liberty, and then moral liberty – only when they live in a society. The product of the social contract, therefore, is a community that defends and protects the rights of each person. The citizen is thus both sovereign and subject. They are sovereign because they are part of the community. They are also a subject because they must follow what the sovereign wills. Concretely, what this means is that the people exercise sovereign power (for example, in choosing or electing the leaders of their country) and at the same time, follow the laws that are made by their government. To do these dual functions (sovereign and subject), Rousseau believed that citizens need to be developed and educated. They must know how to exercise the freedom they possess and not be ruled simply by their instincts. When citizens follow rules that their rulers make, they exercise civil liberty . When citizens follow laws that they made themselves, they exercise moral liberty . For Rousseau, the highest form of freedom is moral liberty. This is achieved when a citizen can identify their own will as that of the common good or the General Will.

– The purpose of the social contract according to Rousseau is to express the “General Will”, which is aimed at the good of all. It is different from the “will of all” which is the sum of particular wills. Rousseau also considered that people may identify the will of the majority (“will of all”) as the General Will. It is not necessarily so. What Rousseau meant by the General Will is not simply counting of votes, or determining how many are in favor of a certain position. Knowing the General Will requires the active participation of the citizens. What this implies is that the citizens are knowledgeable of the issue being discussed and can make an informed decision (not being ruled simply by their instincts). When citizens are active, they are sovereign, according to Rousseau.

– For Rousseau, the people remain sovereign. This means that they are the highest power. Once they enter a social contract, they do not lose this power. They do not give it up (“sovereignty is inalienable”). They also do not divide sovereign power and delegate the power to another body such as a small group of men and women (“sovereignty is indivisible”).

Overall, the Social Contract Theory presents the idea that society was formed as a result of an agreement among men. There may be different justifications from the different writers regarding the existence of the government and the extent of its power over its citizens. But the idea that sovereign power rests on the people who have made the social contract is common among the three thinkers. Moreover, many scholars acknowledge the influence of the ideas from the social contract theory, particularly from Locke and Rousseau, on the establishment of democratic societies that uphold the ideals of liberty and equality among citizens. To some extent, the idea of a social contract has also been associated with the existence of a constitution.

Self-Evaluation Forms (Part 2)

What have you learned from the lesson? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. How will you apply the knowledge you have learned in this lesson in improving Philippine society? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

• List of Activities

Synchronous Activities (In-class) 

Activity 1: Debate on the Social Contract Theory Instructions.

Step 1. Divide the class into two groups. Step 2. Give them ample time to prepare and to discuss the opposing arguments for this question: Is the right or wrong to resist a bad ruler part of the rights of men under a social contract? Step 3. Allow them to reflect on their stances at the end of the debate.

Activity 2: Discussion on Hobbes Instructions. Present the following questions to students: 1. What is Hobbes’s theory of human nature? What are human beings like? 2. How did he describe the state of nature? 3. What conditions in the state of nature led men to enter into a social contract? 4. What constitutes sovereign power? What are its rights?

Activity 3: Discussion on Locke Instructions. Present the following questions to students:

1. What do you think were the important influences on Locke’s ideas? 2. What do men possess in the state of nature that makes them distinguish what is right from wrong? 3. What are three characteristics of the state of nature according to Locke? 4. What are the two types of liberty for Locke? 5. What is the supreme power of the commonwealth? 6. What are the four limits to the power of government?

Activity 4: Discussion on Rousseau Instructions. Present the following questions to students:

1. How did Rousseau describe man’s life in the state of nature? 2. What does sovereignty mean? Who possesses it? What are its qualities? 3. What is the General Will? What is its significance in society?

Asynchronous Activities

Activity: Application of the Social Contract Theory

Part 1. Imagine yourself to be in a state of nature. Think of yourself as being in a situation wherein there are no rules that you must follow and that you are perfectly free to do whatever you want. 1. How would you imagine the situation would be? Would you want to be in such a situation? 2. Do you think that such an environment would be conducive for you to achieve your goals? Why or why not? 3. Imagine further the situation above to be the same situation of everyone else in your community. Do you think that such an environment where everyone can do as he or she pleases is desirable? Why or why not?

Part 2. After a careful reflection of the ideas of the social contract thinkers, write a short essay on the significance of the social contract for a community. Consider the following questions in writing your essay: 1. Who do you think should be the source of rules or order in your community? 2. Why do you think that person(s) be the source of rules or order in your community? 3. What should be the role of the rest of the people in your community? 4. What should be the relationship between the source of rules (leader) and the people in your community

Rubrics for Discussions and Debates

Lesson 2: The Constitution

• Define the constitution; and
• Explain related concepts to the lesson.
• Constitution – system of rules which defines the responsibilities and powers of the government and its institutions, and the dynamics between the state and its citizens
• Constitutionalism – political components which establish a system of check and balance

Study Guide

Introduction to the Lesson

• To learn more about the Constitution:
• Watch this short video on the constitution and its purposes, https://youtu.be/0UzKD8rZCc0   (video made by International Idea);
• Read pages 501-518 of the book, Politics, 5th edition by Andrew Heywood; and 
• Get a copy of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and read the preamble and go through its different parts.
• Constitution

A constitution is broadly defined as “a set of rules, written and unwritten, that seek to establish the duties, powers and functions of the various institutions of government; regulate the relationships between them; and define the relationship between the state and the individual” (Heywood 2019: 502-503). The term constitution is also narrowly used to refer to “the highest law of the land”, implying a “single, authoritative document or a written constitution” (Heywood 2019: 503). There are, however, constitutions that are not codified or are referred to as unwritten. In relation to the discussion on the concept of a social contract, the constitution is deemed to express the “fundamental law of the land that sets the principles, powers, organization and functions of the state and its government, the relations between state-government and the people, (the) rights and obligations of the people, (and the) relations among the people” (Rebullida in Philippine Politics and Governance: An Introduction, 2006:147). Thus, in a narrow sense, constitutionalism implies the practice of a limited government ensured by the existence of a constitution. More broadly, “ constitutionalism is a set of political values and devices that fragment power, thereby creating a network of checks and balances” (Heywood 2019: 512). The value of a constitution is widely recognized. Its existence serves a number of purposes other than ensuring the existence of a limited government. Heywood (2019:514) identifies the following purposes of constitutions: 

• Empower states
• Establish unifying values and goals
• Provide government stability
• Protect freedom
• Legitimize regimes

In this way, the constitution serves as the legal basis of government. It outlines the extent of the government’s power and the breadth of its responsibilities. Therefore, the constitution limits the power of the government in order to preserve and protect the rights of a nation’s citizens.

Activity: Discussion on the Constitution Instructions. Present the following questions to students:

1. What is a constitution? 2. How are constitutions classified? 3. What are examples of different types of constitutions? Where can these be found? 4. What is meant by constitutionalism? 5. What type of constitution does the Philippines have? 6. How is a limited government enshrined in the Philippine constitution?

Activity: Video Instructions. Watch this short video on the constitution and its purposes, https://youtu.be/0UzKD8rZCc0 (video made by International Idea) and provide your reflection in an essay of 400-500 words.

Heywood, A. (2019). Politics, 5th ed. L.I. London : Macmillan International Higher Education/Red Globe Press. Lowndes, V., Marsh, D. and Stoker, G. A. (2018). Theory and Methods in Political Science: Political Analysis (4th ed.). Red Globe Press. Tadem, T. S. E., & Morada, N. M. (2006). Philippine politics and governance: An introduction. Diliman, Quezon City: Dept. of Political Science, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of the Philippines.

Learning Material

COMELEC (2012, May 2). 1987 Philippine Constitution Preamble. Retrieved from https://comelec.gov.ph/index.html?r=References/RelatedLaws/Constitution/1987Constitution/Preamble. International IDEA (2016). Constitutional history of Philippines. Retrieved from Constitutional history of the Philippines

• Introduction
• Rubrics for Grading

Home / Essay Samples / Social Issues / Corruption / The Importance of Politics Governance and Government

The Importance of Politics Governance and Government

• Category: Social Issues , Government
• Topic: Corruption , Global Governance , Political Corruption

Pages: 3 (1261 words)

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