LECTURE
PHILIPPINE POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE
Grade 12
POLITICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE
Politics is derived from the Greek word politiké episteme which means "political science." This
pertained to a practical science concerned with the noble action or happiness of the citizens. The
adjective "political" also traces its roots to the Greeks. It comes from politikos, which means "of, or
pertaining to, the polis" or city-state (Miller 2012).
It generally refers to the practice and theory of influencing other people, which oftentimes is
directed towards decision making or policy formulation.
Here are some of the most compelling definitions of Politics:
a. Politics is not a science but an art. – Chancellor Otto von Bismarck of Germany
b. Politics is an activity that generally refers to an act of getting what, when and how in the
government. – Harold Laswell, 1978
c. Politics is the authoritative allocation of values. – David Easton
d. Politics includes the decision-making and decision-enforcing processes in group that makes and
enforces rules for its members. It is the process by which policy makers choose which actions
they will and will not take. – Austin Ranney,1999
e. Politics involves the public issues which give rise to conflict. – Harris, 1997
WHAT IS POLITICAL SCIENCE?
It is a social science discipline that deals with systems of government and the analysis of political
activity and political behavior. It deals extensively with the theory and practice of politics which is
commonly thought of as determining of the distribution of power and resources.
Early on, for the Greek philosopher Aristotle, political science involves the study of the work or
function of the politician or stateman.
POLITICAL SCIENCE AND OTHER DISCIPLINES
Political Science and History
Political Science is closely related to the study of history. The word "history" comes from the
Greek word historia, (which means investigation or inquiry. This etymology gives an idea on how the
past is to be studied. Philippine history cannot be studied without involving political science: the history
of the country is closely interwoven with the exercise of power by political leaders.
Political Science and Economics
Economics traces its origin to the Greek word oikonomos, which means “household
management” a concept associated with the individual and family. Later, the concept of household
management transformed into “political economy”, a recognition that the economy of modern times is
no longer limited to households alone but encompasses a whole nation.
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Political Science and Sociology
This field revolved around the study of social groups in society. These social groups include the
family, as well as professional, religious, and business associations. Then there are groupings along
racial, ethnic, and linguistic lines.
Political Science and Anthropology
This field deals with the study of the origin of man and humanity. Its concern is to establish the
cultural origin of man within the context of social institutions, education, religion, economy, and
government, among the others.
Political Science and Psychology
Psychology deals with human behavior. This field of study comes in handy to political scientists,
who can work with psychologists in interpreting the behavior of voters during elections, studying how
officials treat public funds, and finding the reasons why the military acts the way it does during times of
political crisis.
Political Science and Geography
Geography is derived from the Greek word geos, which means “earth”, and graphein, which
means “to write”. This field is concerned with the study of the Earth and its surface features, and how
they influence human distribution and activity. (Reader’s Digest Universal Dictionary,1999).
Political Science and Law
One field that has emerged out of the link between the fields of law and political science is legal
studies. This interdisciplinary field looks at how law molds, and is turn molded by, such forces as politics,
economics, and culture.
POLITICAL CULTURE
It is defined as the pattern of individual attitudes and orientation toward politics among members
of a political system.
Political Culture is a set of attitudes and practices held by a people that shapes their political
behavior. It includes moral judgments, political myths, beliefs, and ideas about what makes for a good
society. A political culture reflects a government, but it also incorporates elements of history and tradition
that may predate the current regime.
Functions of Political Culture
a. It narrows the alternatives that will earnestly consider in the resolution of issues.
b. It contributes to the process which political issues are formed.
TYPES OF POLITICAL CULTURE (according to Gabriel Almond and Sidney Verba)
1. Parochial Political Culture – citizens are aware of the existence of national government, but
they have no concern in political issues and decisions.
2. Subject Political Culture – citizens are aware of the existence of national government and
recognized the authority of the government and abide by its decisions with minimal disapproval.
3. Participant Political Culture – citizens are fully aware of the existence of national government
and are involved in political decisions.
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CHARACTERISTICS OF PHILIPPINE POLITICAL CULTURE
1. Dominance of family ties or kinship system
• Big clans are dominating the political arena; dynasties usually control the government.
• Relationship by consanguinity is given more importance, it does not matter even if the political
candidate is inefficient, immoral, or corrupt.
2. Euphemism
• Officials and employees of lower positions are not frank in criticizing official of higher rank.
3. Utang na loob or Debt of Gratitude
• Filipinos have this feeling of obligation to repay immediately to repay in the future any favor that
they received from another person.
4. Overdependent on Government
• Constituent relies too much on the government and sometimes they blame it for the things that
they failed to achieve or acquire. They look at government as provider of all things that they
need.
5. Belief that majority of politicians are corrupt
• The term “buwaya” has been used to describe corrupt politicians. Many people believed that
politicians are corrupt, and they are in the government service to promote their vested interest
and not the public interest.
6. Lack of Political Maturity
• People usually elect officials based on popularity and personality and not about their
performance and platform for the government.
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