LS5 Module 17

Module Title: Understanding Democratic Participation: Elections, Political Parties, and

Civil Society.

Module Objectives:
- Explain the significance of democratic participation.
- Analyze the nature of elections and political parties in the Philippines.
- Evaluate the roles of civil society and social movements in shaping democratic
processes.

Lesson Content:
1. Introduction to Democratic Participation
Definition of Democracy and its Core Principles:
Democracy is a system of government where power is vested in the people, who
exercise it directly or through elected representatives. Core principles include:
Popular Sovereignty: The ultimate authority rests with the people.
Political Equality: All citizens have equal rights and opportunities to participate in
decision-making.
Individual Liberty: Protection of fundamental freedoms and rights.
Rule of Law:Government actions are constrained by legal principles and procedures.

Importance of Citizen Participation in a Democratic Society:

Citizen participation is vital for several reasons:
- It ensures government accountability and responsiveness.
- Enhances legitimacy and public trust in democratic institutions.
- Fosters civic engagement and active citizenship.
- Reflects diverse perspectives and promotes inclusive governance.

Overview of the Role of Elections and Political Parties in Representative

Democracy:
- Elections allow citizens to choose representatives and hold them accountable.
- Political parties organize and mobilize citizens around shared ideologies and policy
agendas.
- They facilitate government formation and policy-making, translating citizen
preferences into political action.

2. Electoral Systems and Processes

Types of Electoral Systems:

Plurality System: Candidate with the most votes wins (used in single-member districts).
Proportional Representation (PR) System: Seats in the legislature are allocated based
on the proportion of votes received by each party.
Mixed Systems: Combination of plurality and proportional elements.

Analysis of the Philippine Electoral System:

- Features: Mixed-member plurality system with a bicameral legislature.
 - Challenges: Vote-buying, lack of campaign finance regulation, and dominance of
political dynasties.
- Impact on Political Representation: Tendency toward concentrated power and limited
diversity in government.

3. Role and Function of Political Parties

Definition and Purpose of Political Parties:

Political parties are organized groups that seek to influence government policies by
nominating candidates and contesting elections.
- Purpose: Represent diverse interests, articulate policy alternatives, and promote
democratic competition.

Examination of Major Political Parties in the Philippines:

- Ideologies: Range from conservative to progressive, reflecting diverse societal views.
- Structures: Hierarchical organizations with formal leadership structures.
- Influence on Policy-Making: Shape legislative agendas, coalition-building, and
governance.

4. Civil Society and Social Movements

Understanding Civil Society Organizations (CSOs):

CSOs are non-governmental entities that operate independently of the state, engaging
in advocacy, service delivery, and community organizing.
- Roles: Bridge between citizens and government, promote social justice, and
contribute to policy formulation.

Overview of Significant Social Movements in the Philippines:

- Examples: People Power Revolution, environmental advocacy groups, human rights
organizations.
- Impact: Influence policy decisions, challenge government actions, and promote
societal change.

5. Interaction Between State and Society

Analysis of Dynamics Between Government and Civil Society:

- Cooperation: Collaborative initiatives on policy development and service delivery.
- Conflict: Advocacy campaigns, protests, and legal challenges to government actions.

Case Studies on Successful Civic Engagements:

- People Power Revolution (1986): Overthrew authoritarian regime, restored
democracy.
- Environmental Movements: Influenced policies on resource management and
sustainable development.
Understanding these topics provides a holistic view of democratic governance,
illustrating how different actors—citizens, political parties, civil society organizations,
and social movements—contribute to shaping and sustaining democratic processes in
the Philippines and beyond.

Activities

Objective 1: Explain the Significance of Democratic Participation

Assessment Method: Essay
Task: Write an essay discussing why democratic participation is important for a
functioning society.

Objective 2: Analyze the Nature of Elections and Political Parties in the Philippines
Assessment Method: Research Presentation
Task: Conduct research on the electoral system and major political parties in the
Philippines.
.

Objective 3: Evaluate the Roles of Civil Society and Social Movements in Shaping
Democratic Processes
Assessment Method: Individual Project
Task: Investigate the influence of civil society and social movements on democratic
processes.
I.
Democratic participation is the cornerstone of a functioning society, serving as the
bedrock upon which principles of equality, freedom, and justice are built. At its core,
democracy empowers individuals to have a voice in the decisions that shape their lives
and communities. Through avenues such as voting, activism, and engagement in public
discourse, citizens can actively contribute to the direction and governance of their
society. In this essay, I will explore why democratic participation is vital for the health
and prosperity of any society.

First and foremost, democratic participation ensures that power is distributed among the
people, rather than concentrated in the hands of a select few. In a democracy, leaders
are accountable to the electorate, who have the ability to elect or remove them from
office through free and fair elections. This accountability fosters transparency and
prevents abuses of power, as leaders are incentivized to act in the best interests of the
populace. Moreover, democratic participation promotes inclusivity by giving voice to
marginalized groups and ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed in the
decision-making process.

Furthermore, democratic participation fosters civic engagement and a sense of

ownership over one's community. When individuals are actively involved in the
democratic process, whether through voting, volunteering, or participating in grassroots
movements, they develop a greater sense of connection to their fellow citizens and the
common good. This sense of belonging not only strengthens social cohesion but also
cultivates a culture of mutual respect and understanding, essential for resolving conflicts
and addressing societal challenges.

Moreover, democratic participation serves as a safeguard against tyranny and

authoritarianism. By promoting the rule of law and protecting fundamental rights and
freedoms, democracy provides a bulwark against arbitrary rule and oppression. When
citizens are empowered to hold their leaders accountable and advocate for their rights,
they can resist attempts to undermine democracy and uphold the principles of justice
and equality.

Additionally, democratic participation encourages innovation and progress by

harnessing the collective wisdom and creativity of the populace. When diverse
perspectives and ideas are brought to the table, solutions to complex problems are
more likely to emerge. By promoting open dialogue and debate, democracy fosters a
culture of innovation and adaptability, essential for addressing the ever-evolving needs
of society.

In conclusion, democratic participation is indispensable for a functioning society as it

ensures accountability, promotes inclusivity, fosters civic engagement, safeguards
against tyranny, and encourages innovation. By empowering individuals to have a voice
in the decisions that affect their lives, democracy lays the foundation for a more just,
equitable, and prosperous future. As such, it is imperative that we uphold and
strengthen democratic principles and institutions to safeguard the rights and freedoms
of all citizens.

II.
Electoral System in the Philippines
The Philippine electoral system is characterized by its multi-party nature and a
combination of various election types. Here are some key points:

[Link] Elections:

*Held every six years.

*The last presidential election was in 2010, and the next one is scheduled for 2016.
*Congress, Senate, and local elections coincide with presidential elections and occur
three years before and after them.
*Voter participation typically ranges from 70% to 85%.
*Overseas Filipinos were allowed to vote in presidential elections starting in 2004.
*Voting age is 18.
*Voters write the names of their preferred candidates by hand on the ballot.
*Counting is done manually, leading to delayed official results1.

[Link] Elections:

*The Senate and the House of Representatives are elected separately.

*The Senate has 24 members, while the House of Representatives has 316 members.
*Candidates compete for seats in both houses.
*Major parties and coalitions play a significant role in these elections.

Major Political Parties in the Philippines

Several major political parties shape the country’s political landscape:

[Link] Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP):

*Founded in 2018.
*Advocates for federalism.
*Associated with the administration.
*Holds 10 seats in the House of Representatives.

[Link]–Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas–CMD):

*Established in 2008 (originally in 1991).

*Combines Christian democracy and Islamic democracy.
*Part of the CDI Coalition.
*Holds 92 seats in the House of Representatives and 1 seat in the Senate.

[Link] People’s Coalition (NPC):

*Founded in 1992.
*Embraces social conservatism.
*Holds 38 seats in the House of Representatives and 5 seats in the Senate.

[Link] Party (NP):

*Established in 1907.
*Stands for conservatism.
*Holds 38 seats in the House of Representatives and 4 seats in the Senate.

[Link] Unity Party (NUP):

*Founded in 2011.
*Advocates social conservatism.
*Holds 38 seats in the House of Representatives.

[Link] Party (LP):

*Founded in 1946.
*Upholds liberalism.
*Serves as the opposition.
*Holds 10 seats in the House of Representatives.

These parties play crucial roles in shaping Philippine politics, and their ideologies and
affiliations influence policy decisions and governance. Additionally, there are other
minor parties and party-list organizations that contribute to the country’s democratic
processes.

III.
The influence of civil society and social movements on democratic processes is a
fascinating area of study. Let’s delve into some key points:

1. Civil Society and Democracy:

*Civil society refers to the space where citizens come together voluntarily to engage in
collective action, express their interests, and participate in public life. It includes non-
governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, professional associations, and
more.
*Civil society plays a crucial role in democratic processes by:
-Monitoring Power: Civil society organizations (CSOs) scrutinize the actions of those in
power, raise awareness about corruption, and demand transparency in decision-making
processes.

-Promoting Participation: Social movements encourage citizens to actively participate in

the democratic process. They mobilize individuals, foster civic engagement, and create
spaces for political dialogue and deliberation.

-Reinforcing Legitimacy: CSOs contribute to ensuring that democratic processes are

fair, just, and reflective of the people’s will. From observing elections to engaging in
dialogue with authorities, they play a critical role in reinforcing the legitimacy of
democratic institutions.

2. Social Movements and Democratization:

*Social movements are collective efforts by citizens to bring about social or political
change. They can significantly impact democratic progress:

-Institutionalization: When social movements become institutionalized, they forge

alliances with reformist power elites within the polity. This institutionalization allows
them to influence state policy-making and advance democracy. However, it requires a
specific melding of movement organization characteristics and favorable political
opportunities.

-Long-Term Effects: Even if social movements face repression or fail in the short term,
they may still affect attitudes and norms of participants and bystanders. These enduring
effects can contribute to democratic attitudes over time.

-Quotidian Civil Society Organizations (QCSOs): Organizations rooted in quotidian

networks (e.g., religious organizations, trade unions) are most likely to generate
democratization. These QCSOs play a significant role in advancing democracy.

in summary, civil society and social movements serve as essential drivers of democratic
processes. Their impact extends beyond immediate outcomes, shaping the attitudes,
norms, and institutions that underpin democratic governance. Researchers continue to
explore these dynamics, recognizing both assets and challenges in understanding their
causal relationship.