POLITICS
The great Greek philosopher Aristotle once said, Man by nature is a political animal. For Aristotle, this
made politics the ‘master science’: that is, nothing less than the activity through which human beings
attempt to improve their lives and create the Good Society. Politics is, above all, a social activity. It is
always a dialogue, and never a monologue.
To study politics is in essence to study government or more broadly, to study the exercise of
authority. Politics is the art of government, the exercise of control within the society through the making
and enforcement of collective decisions (Heywood, 1997).
Politics came from the word polis meaning “of or pertaining to state” in Greek. It is also the root
word for polites meaning people or citizens and politikos meaning “of, for, or relating to citizens” which
also translates to “affairs of the state.” It involves decision-making, law-making, and governance. It is the
study of practice and distribution of powers.
The word moved into the Latin language as politicus, with additional meanings of "city" and
"civics." As with much Latin, the word made its way into modern English through French derivations. The
first use of the singular politic showed up in English in the 1400s, coming from the Middle French
politique.
In ancient times, city-states like Athens and Sparta were relatively small and cohesive units, in
which political, religious, and cultural concerns were intertwined. The Greek philosopher Aristotle's
word for ‘politics’ is politikê, which is short for politikê epistêmê or ‘political science.' Politics is a
practical science since it is concerned with the noble action or happiness of the citizens (although it
resembles a productive science in that it seeks to create, preserve, and reform political systems).
DIFFERENT POLITICAL VIEWS
According to the International Encyclopedia of the Social and Behavioral Sciences (2001), a political
ideology is a set of ideas, beliefs, values, and opinions, exhibiting a recurring pattern, that competes
deliberately as well as unintentionally over providing plans of action for public policy making, in an
attempt to justify, explain, contest, or change the social and political arrangements and processes of a
political community. Political ideologies, may more or less provide basis for coherent ideas for organized
political action whether these ideas intend to preserve, modify or overthrow an existing government or
power structure. Below are some of the different [Link] POLITICAL VIEWS
According to the International Encyclopedia of the Social and Behavioral Sciences (2001), a political
ideology is a set of ideas, beliefs, values, and opinions, exhibiting a recurring pattern, that competes
deliberately as well as unintentionally over providing plans of action for public policy making, in an
attempt to justify, explain, contest, or change the social and political arrangements and processes of a
political community. Political ideologies, may more or less provide basis for coherent ideas for organized
political action whether these ideas intend to preserve, modify or overthrow an existing government or
power structure. Below are some of the different ideologies.
Political Ideology
Definition and Perspectives on the State
Conservatism
Conservatism is the belief that traditional institutions work best and that society should avoid radical
change. Some conservatives seek to preserve things as they are, emphasizing stability and continuity,
while others oppose modernism and seek a return to the way things were.
Links the state to the need to provide authority and discipline and to protect society from chaos and
disorder, hence, their traditional preference for a strong state.
Liberalism
Liberalism is the belief in the importance of liberty and equality. Most liberals support such fundamental
ideas as constitutions, liberal democracy, free and fair elections, human rights, free trade, secularism,
and the market economy.
Liberalism sees the state as a neutral arbiter among competing interests and groups in society, a vital
guarantee of social order. While classical liberals treat the state as a necessary evil and extol the virtues
of a minimal or custodian state, modern liberals recognize the state’s positive role in widening freedom
and promoting equal opportunities
Socialism
Socialism refers to the various theories of economic organization which advocate either public or direct
worker ownership and administration of the means of production and allocation of resources. Socialists
generally share the view that capitalism unfairly concentrates power and wealth among a small segment
of society that controls capital and derives its wealth through a system of exploitation. This in turn
creates an unequal society, that fails to provide equal opportunities for everyone to maximize their
potential, and does not utilize technology and resources to their maximum potential nor in the interests
of the public.
Socialists believe in utopian visions of a better society where individuals can achieve genuine
emancipation and fulfillment as members of society. It believes in social equality as it upholds justice or
fairness, underpins community and cooperation, and enlarges freedom in a positive sense as it likewise
believes that human fulfillment and realization is based on need-satisfaction
POLITICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE
Political Science is the study of the phenomena of the state and government; it is derived from two
Greek words, “polis” or “city” which today would mean a sovereign state; and “scire” meaning
“science.”
Aristotle (324-322 B.C.) a Greek philosopher, is credited with the observation that “man by nature is a
political animal.” By this statement, Aristotle meant that the basic underlying substance of human
existence is politics, that is, that man is predisposed to be involved in politics. He added that the only
way to optimize the potentials and capabilities of an individual and to achieve the highest form of social
existence was through interaction with others in a state (Rodee,et al., 1983).
Political Science as defined by Rodee (1980) is “a branch of social science that deals with the theory,
organization, government, and practice of the state.”
Political Science also deals with those relations among men and groups, which are subject to control by
the state, and with the relations of the state to other states.
Montesquieu (1689-1755), expounded the concept. He posited that all the functions of government
could be encompassed within the categories of legislation, execution, and the adjudication of law. He
assumed that liberty could best be assured by the distribution of these functions – referring to
legislation, execution, and adjudication – among separate branches of the government namely: the
legislative, the executive department, and the judiciary of the courts of law. The preceding modules will
discuss further the three branches of the government.
POLITICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE
Political Science is the study of the phenomena of the state and government; it is derived from two
Greek words, “polis” or “city” which today would mean a sovereign state; and “scire” meaning
“science.”
Aristotle (324-322 B.C.) a Greek philosopher, is credited with the observation that “man by nature is a
political animal.” By this statement, Aristotle meant that the basic underlying substance of human
existence is politics, that is, that man is predisposed to be involved in politics. He added that the only
way to optimize the potentials and capabilities of an individual and to achieve the highest form of social
existence was through interaction with others in a state (Rodee,et al., 1983).
Political Science as defined by Rodee (1980) is “a branch of social science that deals with the theory,
organization, government, and practice of the state.”
Political Science also deals with those relations among men and groups, which are subject to control by
the state, and with the relations of the state to other states.
Montesquieu (1689-1755), expounded the concept. He posited that all the functions of government
could be encompassed within the categories of legislation, execution, and the adjudication of law. He
assumed that liberty could best be assured by the distribution of these functions – referring to
legislation, execution, and adjudication – among separate branches of the government namely: the
legislative, the executive department, and the judiciary of the courts of law. The preceding modules will
discuss further the three branches of the government.
POLITICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE
Political Science is the study of the phenomena of the state and government; it is derived from two
Greek words, “polis” or “city” which today would mean a sovereign state; and “scire” meaning
“science.”
Aristotle (324-322 B.C.) a Greek philosopher, is credited with the observation that “man by nature is a
political animal.” By this statement, Aristotle meant that the basic underlying substance of human
existence is politics, that is, that man is predisposed to be involved in politics. He added that the only
way to optimize the potentials and capabilities of an individual and to achieve the highest form of social
existence was through interaction with others in a state (Rodee,et al., 1983).
Political Science as defined by Rodee (1980) is “a branch of social science that deals with the theory,
organization, government, and practice of the state.”
Political Science also deals with those relations among men and groups, which are subject to control by
the state, and with the relations of the state to other states.
Montesquieu (1689-1755), expounded the concept. He posited that all the functions of government
could be encompassed within the categories of legislation, execution, and the adjudication of law. He
assumed that liberty could best be assured by the distribution of these functions – referring to
legislation, execution, and adjudication – among separate branches of the government namely: the
legislative, the executive department, and the judiciary of the courts of law. The preceding modules will
discuss further the three branches of the government.
What are the Methods of Political Sciences?
Several methods are available to political phenomena. These methods are available to political
phenomena. These methods are discussed below:
1. Deductive Method – this method employs the drawing up of specific conclusions from premises
presumed to be infallible.
2. Inductive Method – this method proceeds to establish general truths upon the basis of known facts
are to be used as premises for a specific application.
[Link] Method – this method allows the political scientist to observe the workings of political
systems and political processes. Every change in governmental structure, law, or public has significance.
4Historical Method – present and probable political phenomenon are interpreted by the political
scientist based on his knowledge and observation of the past serving as a backdrop.
[Link] Method – this method allows the political scientist to correlate economic, geographical,
psychological, sociological data, and other scientific phenomena.
VALUE OF POLITICS
Why should you care about politics?
One reason you should care about politics is that you should always know what is going on
around you. For example, if a new law is made is made in your area, you might want to make sure that
you and the people around you know that a new law has been made so that no one breaks the law
without even knowing it. Also, if something dangerous is happening around you or someone you know,
you want to be aware if someone is breaking the law. It is very important to know what is happening
around you.
Another reason you should care about politics is that you should have a say in what will happen.
Everyone should have a say in what will happen, because we all live side by side with each other, and it
would not be fair if someone was left out. Also, each vote makes a difference in the ways that we live. It
is always important to share your opinion. The way you vote will affect many people and their everyday
life.
Finally, you should care about politics because the decisions people make will affect many lives. For
example, if someone wanted to build on the land, it might be good for the people who worked in the
area, but residents who lived nearby and loved the land and relied on the land for water and food might
be devastated. Sometimes things that sound like good ideas might be very devastating later.
Learning Concepts 1.5
GOVERNANCE AND GOVERNMENT
MEANING OF GOVERNANCE
Governance in General
The word “governance” came from the Latin verb “gubernare,” or more originally from the Greek word
“kubernaein,” which means “to steer.” Basing on its etymology, governance refers to the manner of
steering or governing, or of directing and controlling, a group of people or a state.
Definition of Governance
Governance is commonly defined as the exercise of power or authority by political leaders for the well-
being of their country’s citizens or subjects. It is the complex process whereby some sectors of the
society wield power and enact and promulgate public policies which directly affect human and
institutional interactions and economic and social development. The power exercised by the
participating sectors of the society is always for the common good, as it is essential for demanding
respect and cooperation from the citizens and the state. As such, a great deal about governance is the
proper and effective utilization of resources.
Governance and Government
Governance is traditionally associated with the government. In works of literature, they are often used
interchangeably. But in the 1980s, political scientists broadened the meaning of governance as
including, not just government actors, but also civil-society actors. Today, governance includes three
sectors: the public sector (state actors and institutions), the private sector (households and companies),
and the civil society (non-governmental organizations). These three sectors are said to work hand in
hand in the process of governance. This new use of the term focuses on the role of “networks” in the
achievement of the common good, whether these networks are intergovernmental, transnational, or
international. In other words, governance is broader than government in that other sectors are included
in it.
Many authors also distinguish the two by associating government with "control and domination," and
governance with "decentralization and relational management." On the one hand, the government
refers to a central institution which wields power over its subjects. It is the instrument patterned after
the model of "command and control," the government being in command over the affairs of the people.
On the other hand, governance is closely associated with the concept of decentralization of power and
the need for inter-sectoral management. Governance is based on the realization that the government
cannot do everything for the people so that in order to survive the state should not only rely on
government but also on the other sectors of the society.
Thus, under the current trend, there is a need to move from the "traditional hierarchical exercise of
power by the government" to the new notion of a "dispersed and relational power in governance" –
from the government to governance. To govern should now mean to facilitate or regulate, not to
dominate or command.
GOVERNANCE HAS THREE LEGS:
1. Economic governance includes decision-making processes that affect a country's economic activities
and its relationships with other economies. It clearly has major implications for equity, poverty, and
quality of life.
2. Political governance is the process of decision-making to formulate policy.
3. Administrative governance is the system of policy implementation.
CURRENT STATE OF GOVERNANCE IN THE PHILIPPINES
1. The Philippines is plagued by bad governance. Based on the six dimensions of governance in the
Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI), it ranks in the lower half of the percentile. In 2010-2011, the
Philippines ranked only 85th in the Global Competitive Index (GCI), lagging behind most of its Southeast
Asian neighbors. The decline of trust on the actors of governance and the consequential poor economic
condition were brought about by the systemic corruption among and between public officials and
private organizations. In 2013, it ranked 94th among 177 countries in the Corruption Perception Index.
Among the key institutions in the Philippines perceived to be most corrupt based on the Global
Corruption Index are “political parties,” “judiciary,” “police,” “public officials and civil servants,” and
“legislature.” This means all branches of the Philippine government are now challenged.
2. As perceived and experienced by the common Filipino masses, the foremost indicators of bad
governance in the Philippines are the unending cycle of poverty, the huge gap between the rich and the
poor, the deep-seated tradition of corruption, mistrust on formal government institutions, yawning
cynicism on the true motive of political actions, instability of the economic environment, constant
threats to the authority of the established government, and questions on accountability and
transparency. These are the usual content of everyday broadcast media, so common that there
perceived to be the normal state of affairs in the Philippines.
3. Bad governance is the root cause of all evils. It is what prevents the Philippines from achieving its
Millennium Development Goals. Rising above such state of governance is a political imperative and the
ideal solution to a wide range of politico-economic problems. While the Philippines has already created
“islands of good governance” in some national agencies and local government units, its overall state is
still miserable.
