Understanding Culture and Society and Politics

1. Historical Background
of Philippine
Democratic Politics
Presented by Group 5:
CORNELIO, Aliya Maxine C.
MANALANG, Chalsea Quency L.
ORTUA, TJ Zacchary O.
PARAGAS, Marte Anthony M.

2. A. What were the characteristics of our
pre-colonial system of government?
How did these reflect the current
political system in the Philippines?
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3. The highest form of government by that time is baranggay. It was headed
and led by the datu. There are many datu and baranggay all along with our country,
but then they're independent of each other. Hence, our government at that time is
similar to a monarchy. It's because, when datu couldn't lead anymore, there's no
voting for another datu. The next datu and leader will be the eldest son of the
previous datu. In matters of succession in the vent of the datu's death, the first son
usually succeeded him. If the first son died without leaving an heir, the second son
succeeded as datu. In the absence of any male heir, the eldest daughter could
become a chieftain.
We can also describe the characteristics of our government by that is
misogynist. The primary choice of being the next datu is a man, so in an instance, if
you're not a man, you can still be a datu, but you're not the first and best choice.
The form of our government here also, the power and authority belong to only one
person. The datu will be the one who can make, pass and interpret the law. When
datu want to pass and make a law, it'll consult the eldest in their baranggay. In
times of peace, he was the chief executive, legislator, and judge. And, in times of
conflict, he was the supreme commander of the warriors. 3

4. The pre-colonial system of our government reflected our current political
system in the Philippines in many ways—first, the political dynasty in our country.
Just like in the pre-colonial government, the position is being passed to their son.
The only difference is that we are the ones who voted and chose them. Next, is our
current government giving their constituents freedom to speak about laws and social
issues. It's just different in part, and all the citizens have the freedom of speech and
not just the eldest. Lastly, we've noticed that up until now, people are misogynists in
part of voting and electing officials. They wouldn't want to trust women to lead
because they're trapped in the belief that women are into serving men.
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5. B. How did the government structure
change during the Spanish period? What
were some of the influences of the
Spaniard on the political system of the
country?
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6. The government structure changed during the Spanish colonization from
baranggay, there's now national and local government. The executive branch is for
the Governor-General. From having only one leader in the pre-colonial government,
there are now executive and judicial branches as well as local government. . The form
of the government is now decentralized and not further centralized anymore. It's not
centralized anymore because the power and authority are adequately distributed to
the local and national governments. Still, there's no voting in this kind of government
structure during the Spanish period. The authority just appointed whom they
wanted to place in the position.
This kind of government influences our political system and can be
viewed now. As we can observe, we are in the decentralization. There is local and
national government. Thus, there are executive, legislative, and judiciary branches in
our current political system. We adopted the structure of government that the
Spaniards had given to us. The difference is that we're now voting on whom we want
to lead us.
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7. C. Read the poem “The White Man’s Burden” written
by Rudyard Kipling in 1899 for you to have another
perspective on the American colonization of the
Philippines.
- How does the poem justify the American colonization of the
Philippines?
- What were the changes in the government structure that took place
during the American period? What aspects of you, your family, and your
community are reflective of America influence?
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8. - How does the poem justify the
American colonization of the
Philippines?
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9. Their purpose is to help us conduct and develop our country. The
poem seems to say that their colonization in our country is their selfless duty
because they're superior and able to govern all. The speaker argues that white
imperialism and colonialism ethically as a burden that the white race must
incur to assist non-white races in the ground for the development. The U.S.
government replaced the military government in the Philippines with a civilian
government. The implementation of the civilian government ensured and made
us accountable to an independent judiciary and parliament. During American
colonization, Filipinos had more participation in the government and improved
our economic system. Americans are also the ones who influenced us about
political parties and platforms.
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10. - What were the changes in the government
structure that took place during the
American period? What aspects of you, your
family, and your community are reflective of
America influence?
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11. Americans brought several aircraft, terrestrial vehicles, and marine
vehicles to our country. Additionally, it became the city's primary
administration, commerce, and education base. Finally, in the community,
the Americans organized the country's community by partitioning or diluting
community inclusion. It profoundly affected the Filipinos' way of life and
culture during and after the colonial period. The wearing of high heels, belts,
and polo shirts indicates American influence on Filipinos. Additionally, the
foods introduced by Americans to the Philippines, such as hamburgers, ice
cream, and ketchup as a dipping sauce. The education of Americans is the
most significant contribution to ours. It can be observed by many people
around us, including you. We became educated enough reflection to the formal
education that Americans brought to us. Next is speaking the English
language. This is also the primary influence of America on us.
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12. The influence of kissing the cheeks of our elders or our peers or
friends as a sign of acknowledgment and respect. Also, the saying of “hi” and
“hello” greetings to everyone we meet. As for our family, we still value the
influence of health and sanitation, where proper hygiene is observed in the
household and practicing clean surroundings inside our home. Also, as per the
group, all of our families are still eating hamburgers and steaks for “meryenda”
and special occasions. As for the community we are in, we can say that up
until now, the community observes English speaking, and some citizens are
studying in private and public schools.
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13. D. How did the Japanese interruption of
the American rule influence the political
system of the country? Is this
interruption beneficial or detrimental to
Filipino society today?
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14. When Japanese came to the Philippines, it is under the military
government. There's also an implementation of a curfew nationwide. There's a
totalitarian military dictatorship in our state. This kind of circumstance
influenced the Philippines to have a military and dictatorship government.
That was implemented by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. With these, we
can say that it's not beneficial. First and foremost, it influences violent,
harmful, and dictatorship governments. Also, under the regime of Americans,
Filipinos are being taught to lead and have a better and deep knowledge of the
economic and political system. Colonization has always two sides. Bringing
positive influence and/or bringing negative influence to its colony. American
colonization undoubtedly helps build our government.
Negative side of colonization during the Japanese interruption is
that it introduces us a harmful leadership and harsh treating to Filipino
people. It’s beneficial impact to the society today is that Japanese brought
good contributions to our country such as working closely and have been
cooperating with the Philippines in a broad range of areas. 14