Concept, Relationship and Importance of Politics, Governance and Government This module was conceptualized to help you be familiar with the basic key concepts; politics, governance and government. Discussions are carefully outlined and language are made simpler for you to understand clearly the lessons. Also, this module covers relevant activities anchored on the identified objectives to ensure clearer understanding on the given concepts. Your participation in accomplishing this module is a pre- requisite for you to be able to proceed to the next lesson. The module is mainly focused on explaining the concept, relationship and importance of politics, governance and government. ay & [_oviectives After going through this module, you are expected to: Define politics, governance and government, Distinguish politics, governance and government; and, Explain the importance of politics, governance and government. Ge (vocabulary List For you to have a better understanding of the lesson presented in this module, you should be familiar with the following terms; ACCOUNTABLE -(of a person, organization, or institution) required or expected to justify actions or decisions; responsible. AGGREGATE- form or group into a class or cluster. ARTICULATED- (of an idea or feeling) expressed; put into words. AUTHORITATIVE-commanding and self-confident; likely to be respected and obeyed, CONVEY- to communicate or send a message. COMPLEMENTARY-combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other or another, DISCERN: perceive or recognize (something). DISTINGUISH - differentiate DYNAMICS-The forces or properties which stimulate growth, development, or change within a system or process. ooo oo oooETYMOLOGY - the study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history. HIGHLIGHT -emphasize; underscore LAW ~ is a codified set of statement that guides the behavior of a certain group. In including groups’ experience, however, this may include unwritten practices. LEADERSHIP-the action of leading a group of people or an organization. MECHANISM. the different ways of directly getting resources. PARLANCE- a particular way of speaking or using words, especially a way ‘common to those with a particular job or interest, POLITICS- activities associated with the governance of a country or other area. POWER.the ability to achieve a desired outcome in a relationship wherein a group/person can impose its will over another RESPONSIBLE- having an obligation to do something, or having control over or care for someone, as part of one's job or role. SEMINAL- (of a work, event, moment, or figure) strongly influencing later developments. SOCIETY- the aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered ‘community. TOP-DOWN ~a hierarchical structure or process that progresses from a large, basic unit to a smaller one TRANSCEND-be or go beyond the range or limits of (something abstract, typically a conceptual field or division) oo oO O oO OO ooo oo Oo ‘Are you ready to answer the activities prepared for you? Let us try to test your knowledge about the concept, relationship and importance of politics, governance and government by answering the following statements. 4 [exal Direction: Write T on the blank if the statement is true. Write F if the statement is false and underline the word or phrase that makes the statement false. __ 1. Politics comes from the Greek work “politei _ or polis which means city or from the Latin term implying government or citizenship, 2. Only government offigials have the right to study politics, 3. The aim of studying politics is therefore, to regulate this struggle for power among men in order to preserve “peace and order. 4. The definitions of Easton and Lasswell on politics were articulated differently but they are complementary to each other. Both of them outline the dynamics of politics and help us understand that the ultimate and defining purpose of politics is governing and making public policy. ________ 5. The Institute of Govemance defines governance as the process whereby societies or organizations make their important decisions, determine who has voice, who is engaged in the process and how account is rendered.ETYMOLOGY - the study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history. HIGHLIGHT -emphasize; underscore LAW —is a codified set of statement that guides the behavior of a certain group. In including groups’ experience, however, this may include unwritten practices. LEADERSHIP--the action of leading a group of people or an organization MECHANISW- the different ways of directly getting resources PARLANCE- a particular way of speaking or using words, especially a way common to those with a particular job or interest. POLITICS- activities associated with the governance of a country or other area POWER.the ability to achieve a desired outcome in a relationship wherein a group/person can impose its will over another RESPONSIBLE: having an obligation to do something, or having control over or care for someone, as part of one's job or role. SEMINAL- (of a work, event, moment, of figure) strongly influencing later developments. SOCIETY- the aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community TOP-DOWN ~a hierarchical structure or process that progresses from a large, basic unit to a smaller one TRANSCEND-be or go beyond the range or limits of (something abstract, typically a conceptual field or division). oOo oO 6 OO DOO oo CO Are you ready to answer the activities prepared for you? Let us try to test your knowledge about the concept, relationship and importance of politics, governance and government by answering the following statements, (4 [exe] Direction: Write T on the blank if the statement is true. Write F if the statement is false and underline the word or phrase that makes the statement false. _______ 1, Politics comes from the Greek work “politeia” or polis which means city or from the Latin term implying government or citizenship. _.--.... 2. Only government officials have the right to study politics. a 3. The aim of studying politics is therefore, to regulate this struggle for power among men in order to preserve ‘peace and order.” ___ 4, The definitions of Easton and Lasswell on politics were articulated differently but they are complementary to each other. Both of them outline the dynamics of politics and help us understand that the ultimate and defining purpose of politics is governing and making public policy. __5. The Institute of Govemance defines governance as the process whereby “societies or organizations make their important decisions, determine who has voice, who is engaged in the process and how account is rendered._____6. In traditional parlance, government orchestrates and manages, but in governance, it rules and controls. 7. Good governance creates a strong future for an organization by ‘continuously steering towards a vision and making sure that day-to-day management is always lined up with organization's goals. _8. Government is the political direction and control exercised over the aclions of the members, citizens, or inhabitants of communities, societies, and states; direction of affairs of a state, community, It is also the exercise of control or authority over a group of people. _9. The exercise of authority is uppermost in government and remains significance in governance but is no longer the single focus. This is because the power in governance is not so much wielded as shared and authority is defined not so much by control of the ruler as by the consent and participation of the governed ________10. Studying government is essential because it develops your ability to solve problems and make good decisions when current events and social economic issues affect you directly Politics: Varying Definitions Politics came from the Greek work “politeia” or polis which means city or from the Latin term implying government or citizenship. In its entirety, it means people with government as a society or community and the management of public affairs (p.1613 World Book Dictionary Vol.2,1996). Politics is a “power game’ that is struggle for power individually or collectively whereby he who is in power may force another to obey with what he wanted him to. Using the above-mentioned etymology of the word politics, we can discern that politics refers to the government. This is probably the reason why some scholars 4define politics as the art of government. In fact, most people would look at politics as something that the government does. Whatever the government does and whatever the people do in relation to government, that is politics. In addition, politics is both an art and science of government encompassing the administration and control of its internal and external affairs. Thus, the government is the one that is central to the activity of politics. (Reference: Diana J. Mendoza, Ph.D. et al., Politics Without Borders Philippine Politics and Governance, page 9) On the other hand, politics is not limited to the activity of the state and government but extends to include other institutions within the society such as the family, the church, and other parts of the society because politics is everywhere. Politics as a field of study is but the study of man and his struggle for power whether alone or alone with others. Politics is also a set of activities that are associated with making decisions in groups, or other forms of power relations between individuals, ‘such as the distribution of resources or status. Easton defined politics as “the authoritative allocation of values for a society” (1953) and the study of politics as “ understanding how authoritative decisions are made and executed for a society” (1957). Lasswell (1936) described the study of politics as “who gets, what, when, and how” which was also the same title of his seminal book, Politics: Who Gets, What, When and How. The definitions of Easton and Lasswell on politics were articulated differently but they are complementary to each other. Both of them outline the dynamics of politics and help us understand that the ultimate and defining purpose of politics is governing and making public policy. (Reference: Paul Micah S. Francisco, et.al, Philippine Politics and Governance for Senior High School) Connection to Governance The term governance means the exercise of political, economic, and administrative authority in the management of a country's affairs at all levels. It s the decision-making and the exercise of power and authority so that society is able to manage its developmental processes and resolve social conflicts. Furthermore, governance involves the establishment of policies, and continuous monitoring of their regular implementation by the governing body of an organization. Mechanisms are required to balance the powers of the members and enhance the prosperity and viability of an organization. Government is an institution run by or on behalf of the state delivering, in more or less top-down fashion, like for example those public goods of which citizens are presumed to need. Whereas, governance is a more complex process by which the executive institutions-public and private, central and local-combine more or less smoothly to deal with the demands of increasingly less deferential individuals and interests. “Governance”, therefore, not only encompasses but transcends the government” have become an integral part of the meaning of “governance” while an administration refers to the men and women behind the workings of the government. Importance of the Study The importance of the study is anchored on the fact that man by nature is a “social animal”. In order for them to live, he must associate himself to people whom hethinks would best serve his needs and interests. Thus, dominating others especially inferior to them is an advantage. With this incorrect thinking, studying politics is essential. «The aim of the study is therefore, to regulate this struggle for power among men in order to preserve “peace and order.” * Politics helps you to know your rights. * Politics helps you understand our nation’s parties. * Decisions people make will affect many lives. Governance: Varying Definitions Governance refers to such activities of the government as an institution relative to its management of the public affairs. The acts of governance are undertaken by the Government which is the institution composed of people entrusted with the management of public affairs. In laymen’s term, governance is the aggregate of authorities which rule a society (US. Vs. Dorr, 2 Phil. 339). Governance is: 1.The traditions and institutions by which authority in a country is exercised'- Kautman et al 2. The way "... power is exercised through a country's economic, political and social institutions.” The World Bank's PRSF Handbook “The sound exercise of political, economic and administrative authority to manage a country’s resources for development. It involves the institutionalization of a system through which citizens, institutions, organizations, and groups ina society articulate their interests, exercise their rights, and mediate their differences in pursult of the collective good" (Country Governance Assessment, 2005) 4, "The exercise of economic, political and administrative authority to manage a country's affairs at all levels. It comprises mechanisms, processes and institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, exercise their legal rights, meet their obligations and mediate their differences.” UNDF 5. In governance, citizens are rightly concemed with a government's responsiveness to their needs and protection of their needs and protection of their rights. In general, governance issues pertain to the ability of government to develop an efficient, effective and accountable public management process that is open to citizen participation and that strengthens rather than weakens a democratic system of government.” The USAID, Office of Democracy and Governance. 6. Refers to how any organization, including a nation, is run. It includes all the processes, systems and controls that are used to safeguard and grow assets.” (UNDF, 1997) 7. “The system, processes and procedures put in place to steer the direction, management and accountability of an organization.” Birmingham City Couneil 8. promoting fairness, transparency and accountability’- World Bank 9. ‘a system by which business organizations are directed and controlled.” OECD10. “the manner in which power is exercised in the management of a country’s social and economic resources for development. It is referred to as the quality of the institutions to make, implement and enforce sound policies in an efficient, effective, equitable and inclusive manner.” The Asian Development Bank 11. In broad terms, governance is about the institutional environment in which citizens interact among themselves and with government agencies/officials. (ADB, 2005) 12. The process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented). Governance can be used in several contexts such as corporate governance, international governance, national governance and local governance 13, The interactions among structures, processes and traditions that determine how power and responsibilities are exercised, how decisions are taken and how citizens or other stakeholders have their say. Fundamentally, it is about power, relationships and accountability: who has influence, who decides and how decision-makers are held accountable. (1OG 2003) 14, “as the exercise of economic, political and administrative authority to manage the nation's affairs at all levels. It comprises of mechanisms, processes and institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, exercise their legal rights and obligations and mediate their differences. Governance is not the sole domain of government but transcends government to encompass the business sector and the civil society. (NEDA 2006) 15. The Institute of Governance defines governance as the process whereby societies or organizations make their important decisions, determine who has voice, who is engaged in the process and how account is rendered. (IOG, 2006) Relationship of Governance and Government To govern is to exercise power and authority over a territory, system or organization. (From Government to Governance, 2005) Reflections of Ledivina C. Carino of the University of the Philippines, National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG) on the concept of Governance as an off-shoot of the (World-COG). This applies to both government and governance. The exercise of authority is uppermost in government and remains significance in governance but is no longer the single focus. This is because the power in governance is not so much wielded as shared and authority is defined not so much by control of the ruler as by the consent and participation of the governed. In traditional parlance, government rules and controls, but in governance, it orchestrates and manages. Ruling and orchestrating rest on different bases. To rule is to be the sole authority, for which the appropriate response is to obey. A government that rules relies on force to exact compliance which is based on this premise that the state has the monopoly of legitimate violence. It enacts laws binding on all the inhabitants and metes out 7sanctions according to these laws. It delivers services to passive recipients who have little influence in the definition of the programs or their eligibility requirement and methods. By contrast, to orchestrate is to call on everyone to play a part in moving the society. Power rests on the trust the players have on the director and on each other. Because built on trust, transparency in the conduct of governing is essential. Laws still bind all, but they are laws they had a part in bringing about. Accountability is shared, and they who have the greatest power bear the greater responsibility. To control is not to manage, as Landau and Stout maintained in a classic article. We have not found a definition of governance that uses control instead of management. To control is to direct what each part of the system must do. It assumes that the controller knows the goals and is certain how an action it requires can lead to it. Deviation will be viewed as error in a context of full knowledge. Controlling assumes a law (using the term in scientific sense) but to manage is to act on a hypothesis. The manager works on incomplete information and tests if the hypothesis is borne out in a given situation. A manager then must be open to inputs from outside which might provide new information and to methods other than those originally promulgated that could lead to the specified goal. Governance chooses management over control because its system is permeable, admits outside the influences, assumes no omnipotence or omniscience on the part of the decision-maker, and subject decisions to the evaluation and critique of all those with a stake with them. All governing is an act of leadership, of moving a society towards a preferred direction. While government can have a connotation of being interested only in maintenance and in preserving peace and order, governance implies leadership toward societal development. Characteristics of Good Governance (UNESCO for Asia and the Pacific) Good governance has eight (8) major characteristics. It is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and follows the rule of law. It assures that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society. Importance of the Study The fundamental reasons why governance should be studied: Greatness can be achieved when good governance principles and practices are applied. To provide the foundation of a high-performing state or country. To ensure that a state or country is well placed to respond to a changing external environmentGovernment defined Government as an element of the state originates with the same. The origin of the latter deals also with the origin of the former. There are many theories as to the origin of the state such as Divine Right Theory, Natural or Matriarchal Theory, the Force Theory etc. The popular is the Social Contract Theory popularized by Jean Jacques Rousseau, the French philosopher of the 17" century. The government as an institution was invented primarily to control search for power either alone or with others seeing to it that said struggle for power must be exercised within the constitutional framework. The government as an institution may impose policies or laws enacted so that peace and order can be achieved to attain progress and development. The function of the law is to mandate the citizens to follow and observe the compromise formula or else violation of such means penalty. Government is the political direction and control exercised over the actions of the members, citizens, or inhabitants of communities, societies, and states; direction of affairs of a state, community. It is also the exercise of control or authority over a group of people. Differentiate governance from government Governance is the act of governing or ruling. It is the set of rules and laws framed by the government that are to be implemented through the representatives of the state... The difference between “government” and “governance” may be clarified using an example of a business which is run by a group of people. Importance of the Study Government is necessary to the existence of civilized society. Furthermore, studying government is essential to: * Understand the influence government has on your daily life. + Understand why the government produces the policies it does. * Understand and interpret current events in a rapidly changing world. * Develop the ability to solve problems and make good decisions when current events and social economic issues affect you directly, Apply your understanding when voting, petitioning, and speaking publicly. Deal with the government effectively in your future profession. Prepare fora career that requires a strong knowledge of government. Use your understanding of government to participate and bring about change in your community or country. * Contribute to the success of a democracy that depends on your understanding and active participation Did you read intently the discussions above on politics, governance and government? hope you deeply understood the concepts and its explanations. Here is an activity | prepared for you which will assess your learning. Goodluck!Direction: Write T on the blank if the statement is true. Write F if the statement is false and underline the word or phrase that makes the statement false. _ 1. Lasswell (1936) described the study of politics as “who gets, what, when, and how’ which was also the same title of his seminal book, Politics: Who Gets, What, When and How. 2. Politics is not limited to the activity of the state and government but extends to include other institutions within the society such as the family, the church, and other parts of the society because politics is everywhere. __________3. Politics helps you to know your rights. Seanpacneecsn 4. Governance is the sound exercise of political, economic and administrative authority to manage a country’s resources for development. It involves the institutionalization of a system through which citizens, institutions, organizations, and groups in a society articulate their interests, exercise their rights, and mediate their differences in pursuit of the collective good” ( Country Governance Assessment, 2005) ee 5. All governing is an act of leadership, of moving a society towards a preferred direction. While government can have a connotation of being interested only in maintenance and in preserving peace and order, governance implies leadership toward societal development. _--_____ 6. The fundamental reason why governance should be studied is that greatness can be achieved when good governance principles and practices are applied. 7.The governmentas.an institution was invented primarily to.control search for power either alone or with others seeing to it that said struggle for power must be exercised within the constitutional framework. The government as an institution may impose policies or laws enacted so that peace and order can be achieved to attain progress and development. The function of the law is to mandate the citizens to follow and observe the compromise formula or else violation of such means penalty. ________8. Governance is the act of governing or ruling. It is the set of rules and laws framed by the government that are to be implemented through the representatives of the state... The difference between “government” and “governance” may be clarified using an example of a business which is run by a group of people. _9. Studying government is essential because it contributes to the success of a y that depends on your understanding and active participation eee 10. Government is important because it utilizes your understanding of government to participate and bring about change in your community or country. 14