ASCOT Library Zabali Campus

Introduction --
A. The study of Political Science --
1. Meaning of Political Science --
2. Scope of Political Science --
3. Interrelationship with other branches of learning --
4. Function and importance of Political Science --
5. Goal in the study of Political Science courses --
B. Concepts of state and government --
1. Meaning of state --
2. Elements of state --
3. Origin of states --
4. State distinguished from nation --
5. State distinguished from government --
6. Purpose and necessity of government --
7. Forms of government --
C. The government of the Philippines in transition --
1. The pre-Spanish government --
2. Government during the Spanish period --
3. Governments during the revolutionary era --
4. Governments during the American regime --
5. Government during the Japanese occupation --
6. The previous Philippine Republics --
7. The Provisional Government of 1986 --
D. Concept of Constitution --
1. Meaning of constitution --
2. Nature and purpose or function of constitution --
3. Meaning of constitutional law --
4. Kinds of constitution --
5. Advantages and disadvantages of a written constitution --
6. Requisites of a good written constitution --
7. Constitution distinguished from statute --
8. Authority to interpret the Constitution --
9. Purpose in interpreting the Constitution --
E. Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines --
1. The 1935 Constitution --
2. The 1973 Constitution --
3. The 1987 Constitution --
4. Basic principles underlying the new Constitution --
5. Rule of the majority --
6. Government of law and not of men --
Preamble --
Article I -- the national territory --
Article II – declaration of principles and state policies – Article III – Bill of rights – Article IV – citizenship – Article V – suffrage – Article VI – legislative department – Article VII – executive department – Article VIII – judicial department – Article IX – constitutional commissions – Article X – local government – Article XI – accountability of public officers – Article XII – national economy and patrimony – Article XIII – social justice and human rights – Article XIV – education, science and technology, arts, culture and sports – Article XV – the family – Article XVI – general provisions – Article XVII – amendments or revisions – Article XVIII – transitory provisions.

"As the supreme law of the land, the Constitution is by no means self- explanatory. Yet it is so important a document with which every citizen should be familiar as it directly and constantly touches every aspect of his everyday life; indeed, to be respected, obeyed and defended if our nation must grow and survive. This is the reason for the requirement that "all educational institutions shall include the study of the Constitution as part of the curricula." (Art. XIV, Sec. 3 [1].)
To help fill the need for a book on the subject, particularly on the college level, this modest volume, now on its fifth edition, has been written.
In an attempt to make it easily understandable, the author avoids legal details and elaborate citations of cases. The provisions are discussed section by section, amplified and explained in relatively nontechnical language for both the beginning student and the layman. The comments on the more important provisions, especially the new ones, occupy more space, setting forth when deemed necessary, the reasons for their adoption as well as their practical significance. Also, much needed emphasis is given to the provisions on the rights of the citizens as it is imperatively desirable that they have adequate knowledge of them so that they may better exercise their rights and discharge their corresponding obligations to others as responsible members of a democratic society."
- Hector S. de Leon