Philippine Politics and Governance

Introduction

"The Philippines is a democratic and republican State. Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them." - Section 1, Article II, 1987 Philippine Constitution

Welcome, citizens and future leaders of the Philippines! The 1987 Constitution is more than just a historical document. It is the very blueprint of our nation's democracy. Crafted in the wake of the People Power Revolution, it embodies our collective aspirations for a just and humane society.

But what does this document actually say? How does it structure our government to prevent the abuse of power witnessed in the past? In this WebQuest, you will step into the roles of researchers, analysts, and advocates to delve into the core principles of the 1987 Constitution. Your mission is to understand its origins, dissect its structure, and explain its profound relevance to every Filipino today.

Task

Your final product will be a collaborative "Citizen's Guide to the 1987 Constitution" presented as a digital slideshow (Ex: Google Slides, Canva, or PowerPoint) and a 5-minute class presentation.

You will work in groups of three, with each member assuming a specific role:

  • The Historian: Focuses on the context and creation of the Constitution.

  • The Governance Analyst: Focuses on the structure and powers of the three branches of government.

  • The Rights Advocate: Focuses on the Bill of Rights and its relevance to citizens.

Together, your group will create a cohesive and informative guide that explains how the Constitution shapes the nation.

Process

Step 1: Form Groups and Choose Roles

  • Form groups of three (3).

  • Decide who will be The Historian, The Governance Analyst, and The Rights Advocate.

Step 2: Individual Role Research

Each member will use the resources below to become an expert in their area.

Step 3: Synthesis and Collaboration

  • Reconvene with your group.

  • Share your findings and collaboratively create your "Citizen's Guide" digital slideshow. It should include:

    1. Cover Slide

    2. The Historical Context (by The Historian)

    3. The Structure of Government (by The Governance Analyst)

    4. Our Fundamental Rights (by The Rights Advocate)

    5. Conclusion: Why the Constitution Matters to You

Step 4: Presentation Preparation

  • Prepare a 5-minute group presentation where each member explains their section of the guide.

4. Resources

Evaluation

Your work will be evaluated using the following rubric:

Criteria Exemplary (4) Proficient (3) Developing (2) Beginning (1)
Content Knowledge Demonstrates accurate and deep understanding of the Constitution's history, structure, and rights. Demonstrates a solid and correct understanding of the required concepts. Understanding is basic or contains some inaccuracies. Understanding is flawed or has significant gaps.
Collaboration & Synthesis The guide is seamless, with clear connections between history, structure, and rights. The guide effectively combines the three sections into a coherent whole. The guide feels like three separate parts with little connection. Little evidence of collaboration; product is disjointed.
Clarity & Presentation Guide is visually engaging and well-organized. Presentation is clear, confident, and within time limit. Guide is clear and organized. Presentation covers all key points clearly. Guide or presentation is somewhat unclear or disorganized. Guide or presentation is difficult to follow.
Conclusion

By completing this WebQuest, you have done more than just research; you have engaged with the foundational law of the land. The 1987 Constitution is not a relic of the past but a living document that defines our rights and the structure of our government. Reflect on what you have learned:

  • How does understanding the Constitution make you a more informed citizen?

  • Which branch of government do you believe holds the most significant power today, and why?

  • Which fundamental right do you think is most crucial to protect, and what current events highlight its importance?

Remember, the power and authority of the Philippine government, as stated in the Constitution, ultimately reside in you, the sovereign people.

Credits

WebQuest: The 1987 Constitution and the Philippine Government

Image Credits:

Content & Resource Credits:

Academic Inspiration:

  • The structure of this WebQuest was inspired by the inquiry-based learning models discussed in educational resources.

Thanks:

  • A special thanks to IQRA Development Academy for introducing me to this very fascinating web-based educational platform.

Teacher Page

This WebQuest creation is in partial fulfillment of the Teacher Certificate Program (Certification) of Jeric Doblon of IQRA Development Academy.