The document outlines the meaning and significance of the constitution within the Philippine government, describing it as a framework that defines the powers of government and protects fundamental rights. It discusses the nature, purpose, and classifications of constitutions, as well as the characteristics of a good written constitution. Additionally, it provides a brief history of the evolution of the Philippine constitution through various significant phases.

1. D. CONCEPT OF
CONSTITUTION
Philippine Government and Constitution

2. MEANING OF
CONSTITUTION
“that body of rules and principles in
accordance with which the powers
of sovereignty are regularly
exercised.”
Philippine Government and Constitution

3. MEANING OF
CONSTITUTION
A constitution is a
charter creating the
government.
Philippine Government and Constitution

4. CONSTITUTIONAL
SUPREMACY
It is a supreme law to which all
other laws must conform and in
accordance with which all private
rights must be determined and all
public authority administered.
Philippine Government and Constitution

5. What is the purpose of the
Constitution?
To prescribe the permanent framework of
a system of government;
To assign to the several departments their
respective powers and duties;
To establish certain first fixed principles
on which government is founded.
Philippine Government and Constitution

6. Does the Constitution create
basic rights?
No. It merely recognizes and
protects these rights and does
not bring them into existence.
Philippine Government and Constitution

7. Meaning of Constitutional Law
Constitutional law maybe defined
as the branch of public law
which treats of constitutions,
their nature, formation,
amendment, and interpretation.
Philippine Government and Constitution

8. Meaning of Constitutional Law
… refers to the law embodied in the
Constitution as well as the
principles growing out of the
interpretation and application made
by the courts of the provisions of
the Constitution in specific cases.
Philippine Government and Constitution

9. Classifications of the Constitution
1. Written or unwritten
2. Evolved or enacted
3. Rigid or flexible
Philippine Government and Constitution

10. Qualities of a Good Written
Constitution
1. Broad –it must be comprehensive to
provide for every contingency
2. Brief – it must confine itself to
basic principles to be implemented
with legislative details more
adjustable to change
Philippine Government and Constitution

11. Qualities of a Good Written
Constitution
3. Definite – to prevent ambiguity
which could result in confusion and
divisiveness among the people.
Philippine Government and Constitution

12. Essential Parts of a Good
Written Constitution
1. Constitution of Liberty e.g., Art III
2. Constitution of Government e.g., Art VI,
VII, VIII, and IX
3. Constitution of Sovereignty e.g., Art XVII
Philippine Government and Constitution

13. Brief Constitutional History
1. Malolos Constitution
2. The American Regime and the Organic Acts
3. The 1935 Constitution
4. The Japanese (Belligerent) Occupation
5. The 1973 Constitution
6. The 1987 Constitution
a. Proclamation of the Freedom Constitution
b. Adoption of the Constitution
c. Effectivity – Feb 2, 1987 (De Leon vs. Esguerra, 153
SCRA 602)
Philippine Government and Constitution