Name: Alcause, Amber Uelui A.

I. DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Political Science
- A field of social and scientific inquiry which seeks to advance knowledge
of political institutions, behavior, activities and outcomes using systematic
and logical research methods.
2. Comparative Politics
- A subfield of study within political science that seeks to advance
understanding of political structures from around the world in an
organized, methodological, and clear way.
3. Public Policy
- A subfield of political science that explores political policies and
outcomes and focuses on the strength, legitimacy and effectiveness of
political institutions within a state or society.
4. Political Economy
- A subfield of political science that consider various economic theories,
practices, and outcomes either within a state or among and between states
in the global system.
5. Political Institutions
- Are the structures that lend politics its integrity. They are the space where
the majority of politics and political decisions take place.
6. Sovereignty
- Define as a fundamental governmental power where the government has
the power to coerce those things they may not want to do.
7. Federal Government
- Sovereignty is shared between the national government.
8. Unitary Government
- The power is concentrated in the national level
9. Confederal Government
- Most sovereignty is at the sub national level
10. Devolution
- Occurs when the central government in a country deliberately transfers to
a government at a lower level.
II. ESSAY

1. Discuss the separation of powers

- Separation of powers is a term that divides government functions into
three areas: the legislature, tasked primarily with the making of laws; the
executive, who carries out or enforces these laws; and the judiciary, tasked
with interpreting the constitutionality of laws.

2. Write an essay about Political Accountability in the Age of social media.

- Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allowed
citizens to interact directly with political players and institutions, getting
around conventional control like mainstream media. Here in the
Philippines, where internet access and social media are commonly used,
these platforms are effective instruments for political involvement,
advocating, and critique. A major aspect of political accountability
strengthened by social media is citizens’ power to hold elected officials
accountable for their actions and decisions. Filipinos may monitor
government actions, uncover corruption, and hold public officials
accountable by using real-time updates, citizen journalism, and online
activism. Furthermore, social media promotes transparency in governance
by allowing government agencies to publish information and interact with
 people. Official social media accounts of government agencies and
officials serve as platforms for public announcements, policy updates, and
public consultations, thereby increasing government accountability and
response to citizen concerns.

3. Examine what 'judicial review' is and its role in a democracy, what are the main
controversies about this role of the courts? This analysis should include
discussions of the need for limited government and who should decide those
limits. What role should the accountability of decision- makers to the electorate
play?
- Judicial review allows courts to determine the constitutionality of laws,
regulations, and government acts. Courts serve as constitutional guardians
by analyzing the consistency of legislative and executive activities with
constitutional principles, assuring the protection of citizens’ fundamental
rights and liberties. This function is critical to maintaining the balance of
power among the arms of government and preventing any abuses of
authority. Finally, the debate over the role of courts in judicial review
exposes basic contradictions between democracy, the rule of law, and
limited government. While judicial review is critical for defending
constitutional rights and ensuring governmental accountability, it raises
serious concerns about the appropriate balance of power and the
legitimacy of court rulings. Finally, achieving a harmonic balance between
judicial independence, democratic accountability, and respect for
constitutional norms is critical to the effective functioning of democracy.

4. Compare and contrast presidential and parliamentary systems of government for

their key characteristics, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. This analysis
should include discussions of how different the two systems are, as well as point
to any commonalities. Draw some conclusion about which system is better on
balance in your view, and justify your position.
- Presidential and parliamentary systems of government represent two
distinct models for organizing the executive branch and distributing
political power.
- In a presidential system, the executive branch is separate from the
legislative branch. The president, elected by the people, serves as the head
of state and government, with significant powers to enforce laws, appoint
officials, and veto legislation. Presidents serve fixed terms and cannot be
easily removed from office through a vote of no confidence. There is a
clear separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial
branches, with checks and balances to prevent the concentration of power.
Presidents are directly accountable to the electorate for their actions and
policies.
- In a parliamentary system, the executive branch is integrated with the
legislative branch. The Minister, typically the leader of the majority party
in parliament, serves as the head of government and exercises executive
authority. The government is collectively responsible to the parliament,
and the prime minister can be removed from office through a vote of no
confidence. Parliamentary systems allow for greater flexibility in
responding to political crises and changing circumstances, as the
government’s survival depends on maintaining the support of the
legislature. While parliamentarians are directly elected, the prime minister
is not directly accountable to the electorate but to the parliament.
- Commonalities:
Both systems aim to provide mechanisms for governance and
representation, uphold the rule of law, and protect individual rights and
liberties. Additionally, both systems rely on democratic principles such as
free and fair elections, respect for the rule of law, and protection of
minority rights.
 - In evaluating the two systems, it is essential to consider their respective
strengths and weaknesses in the context of specific political and social
contexts. While presidential systems offer clear separation of powers and
direct accountability, parliamentary systems provide flexibility and
collective responsibility. Ultimately, neither system is inherently superior,
as their effectiveness depends on various factors such as the country’s
history, culture, and political institutions.
5. Democracy is a general concept for a governing process but can have quite
different manifestations. Examine the different forms it may take. Is there a core
to the concept? To what extent is the democratic principle inherently limited by
the practical realities of any political system? Can the people always rule, vote
freely, or have their views effectively translated into the composition of
governments or public policy? This analysis should also mention the problem of
majority rule and the issue of how minority interests may or may not justify limits
on the will of the majority.
- Democracy, as a governing process, encompasses various forms and
manifestations, each reflecting unique political, cultural, and historical
contexts.

Democracy takes on different forms, including direct democracy,

representative democracy, deliberative democracy, and participatory
democracy. Each form involves varying degrees of citizen participation,
decision-making processes, and mechanisms for accountability. While
direct democracy emphasizes direct citizen involvement, representative
democracy relies on elected officials to represent the interests of the
populace. Deliberative democracy emphasizes reasoned dialogue and
consensus-building, while participatory democracy seeks to deepen citizen
engagement beyond elections.

At the heart of democracy lies the principle of popular sovereignty, where

political legitimacy derives from the consent of the governed. Key
components include free and fair elections, protection of civil liberties and
human rights, rule of law, government accountability, and pluralism.
These principles provide the foundation for democratic governance and
ensure that political power is exercised in the public interest.

Despite the idealistic principles of democracy, practical realities often

impose limitations on its realization. Challenges such as electoral fraud,
voter suppression, corruption, and authoritarian tendencies undermine
democratic institutions and processes. Additionally, the complexities of
modern societies and the influence of special interests may impede the
effective translation of popular will into government policies.

One inherent tension in democracy is the balance between majority rule

and minority rights. While democracy upholds the principle of majority
rule as fundamental to decision-making, it also recognizes the importance
of protecting minority interests and rights. Minority rights serve as a
safeguard against tyranny of the majority, ensuring that vulnerable or
marginalized groups are not unjustly oppressed or marginalized. Thus,
democracy may justify limits on the will of the majority to uphold
principles of justice and equality.

In conclusion, democracy encompasses diverse forms and manifestations,

each shaped by historical, cultural, and political contexts. While popular
sovereignty remains a core principle, the practical realities of political
systems often impose limitations on the full realization of democratic
ideals. Despite challenges such as electoral manipulation and
authoritarianism, democracy remains a dynamic system of governance,
 continually adapting to the changing needs and aspirations of society. It is
through ongoing engagement, vigilant oversight, and commitment to
democratic principles that societies can strive towards more inclusive,
responsive, and just forms of governance.

III. ENUMERATION
A. Standards of Fair Election
Before Election :
* Eligible citizens are able to register to vote
* Voters are given access to reliable information about the ballot and the
election
* Citizens are able to run for office.
During Election
* All voters have access to a polling station or some method for casting
their vote
* Voters are able to vote free from intimidation
* The voting process is free of fraud and tempering
After Election
* Ballots are accurately counted, and the results are announced
* The result of the election are accepted/respected/ honored
B. Four Characteristics which make a Democracy, a Democracy
1. A system for choosing and replacing the government through free
and fair election
2. Active participation of the people, as a citizens, in political and
civic life
3. The protection of human rights of all citizens
4. A rule of law in which the laws and procedures apply equally to all
citizens
C. Three Branches of a Democracy type of government
- Legislature Branch
- Executive Branch
- Judicial Branch
D. Three Main Types of Legislature
- Consultative Legislature
- Parliamentary Legislature
- Congressional Legislature
E. Types of Electoral System
- The Plurality Voting System
- The Majoritarian Voting System
- The Proportional Voting System