PGOV Week 1

2 nd Semester, 3 rd Quarter-Week 1
PHILIPPINE POLITICS
AND GOVERNACE
Lesson Objectives
After completing this lesson, students will be able to:
Articulate definitions of politics.
Differentiate the various views on politics.
Explore the connection between the phenomenon (politics) and the

method of inquiry (Political Science).
Recognize the value of politics.
Differentiate governance from government.

LESSON 1: POLITICS, GOVERNANCE, AND
OTHER KEY CONCEPTS
Political science studies power in society, politics, and

government, with varying perspectives and theories
influenced by societal dynamics. Understanding political
science is crucial for citizens, particularly in democracies
like the Philippines, where tailored study of local
concepts is essential.
Empower
Yourself
The Greeks coined "politics" in the 4th and
5th century, linking it closely with life in the
polis. Aristotle and Plato believed humans
form communities out of necessity, leading
to the need for governance. Social contract
theorists like Hobbes, Rousseau, and Locke
emphasized the need for government to
maintain order, arising from a hypothetical
state of nature marked by chaos and
violence.
Political
science
Political science studies politics, with
Machiavelli as a key figure. It covers
concepts like justice, power, and
leadership. Governance focuses on
power within government for societal
benefit. Fields include political theory,
methodology, comparative politics,
international relations, and law.
Political
theory
it traces the development of political
philosophy from antiquity to the present,
examining the ideas of Aristotle, Machiavelli,
Marx, and Arendt. It discusses the shift from
classical to modern theories, considering how
industrialization has shaped political thought.
It also explores the practical use of political
concepts in research, policy-making, and
public administration, highlighting the
interdisciplinary approach of political
methodology.
Comparative
politics
This study compares political systems and
constitutions across history, tracing back to
Aristotle and Plato's works in ancient Greece.
International relations aim to maintain
peaceful diplomacy between countries. Law
guides societal behavior and promotes
collective interests. Understanding politics
and governance is vital for citizens, enabling
active participation and safeguarding against
government abuse.
BASIC
POLITICAL
CONCEPTS
POLITICS
Politics is the mechanism through which
groups of people make collective decisions. It
encompasses governance at various levels,
from countries to organizations like
companies and clubs. Derived from the
Greek word "polis," meaning "city-state,"
politics originated in small, self-contained
political societies. At its core, political science
revolves around the activities of individuals
as they establish, maintain, and modify the
laws that govern their communities.
POLITICS AS THE
ART OF
GOVERNMENT
Politics is what defines the activities of
the government and of the state. All
government officials and all those
working in government are participating
in politics.
POLITICS AS
PUBLIC AFFAIR
Politics is played by everybody politician or
not. In politics, Aristotle said that “man
by nature is a political animal;” this means that
it is only within a political community that
human beings can live the good life. Thus,
politics becomes necessary to create a just
society.
POLITICS AS
COMPROMISE AND
CONSENSUS
Politics is meant to resolve conflict. In
politics, compromise, conciliation and
negotiation become necessary. It is
through these means that issues and
problems are being
resolved. Thus, politics becomes the
process of conflict resolution.
POLITICS AS
POWER
Politics happen in all human interaction:
within the family, among friends, among
officemates, etc. Politics can, therefore,
be seen a s struggle over scarce
resources, and power
can be seen as the means through which
struggle is conducted.
POLITICAL
SCIENCE
Focuses on the theory and practice of
government and politics at the local, state,
national, and international levels. We are
dedicated to developing understandings of
institutions, practices, and relations that
constitute public life and modes of inquiry that
promote citizenship.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE PHENOMENA (POLITICS)
AND THE METHOD OF INQUIRY (POLITICAL SCIENCE)
THE FIVE REASONS TO STUDY
POLITICS
1. Politics will help you to know your rights.

2. Politics clarifies what you yourself believes.
3. Politics is a living, breathing subject.
4. Politics helps you to understand our nation’s
parties.
5. Politics prepares you or adult life.
HOW POLITICS
CAN BE STUDIED?
1.NORMATIVE VS. POSITIVE
APPROACH
Focuses in answering the questions:
(What is?) Positive Approach
Example: “The Department of Education documented more than

1,700 cases of child abuse
and bullying in school year 2013-2014.”
(What should be?) Normative Approach
Example: “Bullying and other forms of violence in schools should be

viewed not just a school
problem but a societal problem as well.”
2. BEHAVIORAL
APPROACH
Focuses on the study of the individual (voter,
leader, party leader. etc.) particularly the
actors of the political system, their emotion,
biases and predispositions. Behaviorists,
therefore study the political process by looking
at how it relates or influences the individual’s
behavior, motivations, personalities or feelings
of human actors (Orji, 2009).
3. RATIONAL CHOICE
APPROACH
Focuses on the study of human behavior,

wherein individuals are motivated by their
wants. Their self-interest or goals which
will explain their preferences.
Furthermore, according to this approach,
humans act to maximize their outcome
that is to get the most benefit and profit
from their actions.
GOVERNANCE
The act or process of governing or overseeing
the control and direction of something
(such as a country or an organization). The
process of decision-making and the process by
which decisions are implemented.
A government’s ability to make and enforce rule
and to deliver services, regardless of
whether the government is democratic or not.
8 CHARACTERISTICS OF
GOOD GOVERNANCE
1. PARTICIPATION
Active involvement of all affected and interested parties in the decision making
process.
2. RULE OF LAW
Legal frameworks should be fair and enforced impartially.
3. TRANSPARENCY
Free flow of information.
4. RESPONSIVENESS
Serve all stakeholders.
5. CONSENSUS ORIENTED
Mediates differing interests.
6. EQUITY AND INCLUSIVENESS

All its members have opportunities to improve or maintain their well-being
7. EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY

Produce results that meet needs while making the best use resources.
8. ACCOUNTABILITY
Accountable to the public.
Thank You!
References:
Philippine Politics and Governance
R.A. Pawilen
Reidan M. Pawilen

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2 nd Semester, 3 rd Quarter-Week 1

Explore the connection between the phenomenon (politics) and the

Recognize the value of politics.

Differentiate governance from government.

Political science studies power in society, politics, and

1. Politics will help you to know your rights.

Example: “The Department of Education documented more than

(What should be?) Normative Approach

Example: “Bullying and other forms of violence in schools should be

Focuses on the study of human behavior,

6. EQUITY AND INCLUSIVENESS

7. EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY

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