ARELLANO UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

SYLLABUS

SUBJECT : PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT AND THE NEW CONSTITUTION

COURSE CODE : POL. SCI. 002

COURSE DESCRIPTION : This course provides students with a working knowledge of the structure, functions, and workings
of the government of the Philippines as embodied in the fundamental law of the land, the
constitution of the Republic of the Philippines incorporating a deeper understanding and
appreciation of the development of the constitution.

PRE REQUISITE : NONE

COURSE CREDIT : 3 units

GENERAL OBJECTIVES : 1. Explain the structural ad functional organizations of the Philippine government under the new
constitution.
2. Discuss the basic principles underlying the constitution.
3. Understand the workings of government and how its people should help support it.
4. Ignite the sense of duty and commitment as citizens of the Republic

TEXTBOOK : De Leon, Hector. The New Constitution 2002

REFERENCES : Muoz, Mauro & Delilah. Philippine Governance and Constitution

Zulueta, Foundations and Dynamics of Political Science
Newspapers
COURSE CONTENT
Period Strategies/
Specific Objectives Content/Outline Covered Activities Evaluation
1. Chapter 1 - Political science, Politics
Discuss the basic concepts of and Political Organization
politicial science, politics,
political organizations, state,
government and constitution. Concept Diagnosis Recitation
2. Understand the rights and Chapter 2 - Nation, State and
obligations of the state. Government Class Discussion Paper
3. Relate the doctrine of parens A. Definitions Lecture Quizzes
patriae to the responsibility of B. Distinction of nation from state
parents to their children.
C. Rights and Obligations of the State 2nd week
4. Explain the doctrine of the state D. Parens Patriae
immunity from suit.
5. Understand the fundamental E. Doctrine of state immunity
powers of the state
D. Fundamental powers of the state
6. Discuss the meaning, nature &
scope of the Constitution Chapter 3 - Concepts of constitution Group Discussion Paper
7. Recognize the importance of A. Meaning, Nature & Scope Case Studies Recitation
the construction of the B. Constitutional Law 3rd week
constitution and its C. Kinds of Constitution
interpretation.
D. Construction/Interpretation
E. Basic Principles
8.
Understand the purpose and Chapter 4. The Preamble. National
Construction of
meaning of the preamble Territory, Principles and Policies
personal
9. 3rd - 4th
Appreciate the changes made A. Meaning of Preamble vision/mission Recitation
in the preamble. B. Significant changes week Group work
10. Become aware of the C. Art. 1 Mapping
patrimony of the Filipinos. D. Art. 2
PRELIMINARY EXAMINATIONS - 5th week
11. Chapter 5 - The Bill of Rights
Trace the origins of the Bill of
Rights A. Historical Background Case Studies Paper
12. B. Definition, Nature, Basis and Quizzes
Explain the meaning, nature, 6th - 8th Discussion of
basis and purpose of the Bill of Purpose week current events Group work
Rights. C. Secs. 1 -22
13. Examine the rights provided by
the constitution.
Midterm Examination - 9th week
14.
Identify who are citizens of the
Philippines. Chapter 6 Citizenship and Suffrage Case Studies Recitation
15. Cite the modes of acquiring 10th week Reporting
citizenship and modes of
naturalization.
16. Examine the qualifications for
naturalization.
17. Understand the nature, scope
and functions of the legislative Chapter 7 - The Legislative Exposure Letter-writing
11th - 12th
department. Department Film Showing Reaction paper
week
18. Analyze the steps in the
passage of a bill.
Semi-Final Examination - 13th week
19. Discuss and understand the Recitation
scope and function of the
Chapter 8 - The Executive Department Quizzes
Executive Dept.
Group work
20. Evaluate the powers of the Paper
president 13th week Dramatization
21. Understand how the judiciary Exposure Commentary
works.
Chapter 9 - The Judicial Department Powerpoint writing.
22. Appreciate the structure of the Presentation Reports
judiciary
23. Identify the different
constitutional bodies Chapter 10 - The Constitutional Group presentation
24. Explain the safeguards to Commissions Reporting
ensure the independence of the
different commissions. 14th week

25. Compare and contrast the

functions of the different
bodies.
26 Discuss the rationale for the
grant of local autonomy. Chapter 11 - The Local Government Case Study
27 Understand the powers and Lecture
functions of the local gov't. 15th week
28. Become aware of the process
of removing public officers.
29. Discuss the objectives of Art. Chapter 12 - National Economy and Film showing
XII. Patrimony, Social Justice Case study
30. Identify the classes of lands of and Human Rights Discussion on
the public domain current events
31. Explain the aims and
foundation of Art. XIII
32. Understand the principle 16th - 17th
behind labor laws week
33. Know the latest developments
on human rights.
34. Value the importance of
academic freedom Chapter 13 - Education and Family
35. Appreciate the contributions of
senior citizens.
Final Examination - 18th week
GRADING SYSTEM : Class Participation and Attendance 30%
Quizzes and Papers 30%
Major Exams 40%

Average Midterm Grade = Prelim grade + Midterm grade

2
Average Finals Grade = Semi-final grade + Finals grade
2
Final Grade = Average Midterm Grade + Average Finals Grade
2

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: a. Attendance and Class Participation

b. Major Examinations
c. Research work - this is an exercise that requires students to read, gather materials, think and analyze certain
issues discussed in class.
d. Case Study/Group Project students are required either to examine social and political institutions that influence
events in the country, or analyze present day events that bear some resemblance to historical facts tackling similar
issues.