LESSON 1: The Concept, Relationship and Importance of Politics
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Mariel Torres AbidLESSON 1: The Concept, Relationship and Importance of Politics
Uploaded by
Mariel Torres AbidRepublic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region VII, Central Visayas
Division of Bohol
PHILIPPINE POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE
FIRST QUARTER: WEEK 1
Competency : Explain the concept, relationship and importance of politics, governance and
Government. (no code indicated)
Reference : https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/concept, www.ombudsman.gov.ph,
https://www.gdrc.org/u-gov/governance-understand.html
Corpuz, R.M., Tabotabo,C.V.,& Mellejor L.W (2012).Philippine History with Politics
and governance.
Vidal V.R.,Region I SLM (2020). Philippine Politics and Governance.
Copyright For classroom use only
The concept, relationship and importance of politics,
LESSON 1:
governance and Government
The Concept of Politics
Politics (from Greek: Polis definition "affairs of the cities") is the process of making decisions that apply
to members of a group, it refers to achieving and exercising positions of governance — organized control over a
human community, particularly a state. Furthermore, politics is the study or practice of the distribution of power
and resources within a given community (this is usually a hierarchically organized population) as well as the
interrelationship(s) between communities. The set of foundational concepts of politics set includes authority,
democracy, equality, freedom, justice, power and further concepts that represent fundamental political values
and principles.
Some Importance of Studying Politics:
➢ Politics Helps You to Know Your Rights ➢ Politics Clarifies What You Yourself Believe
➢ Politics is a Living, Breathing Subject ➢ Politics Helps You to Understand Our Nation's Parties
➢ Politics Prepares You for Adult Life
The Concept of Governance
The word “governance” came from the Latin verb “gubernare” or more originally from the Greek word
“kebernaein”, which means “ to steer.” Governance refers to to the manner of steering or governing, or of
directing and controlling, a group of people and state. The study of governance is generally attuned to the
concept of democracy, and on how the government and the civil society arrive at a decision in meeting the need.
In a simple term, it means the process by which decisions are implemented.
Relationship between politics and government
Politics is a process or an activity that members of a society use to gain or lose power and resources
while Government is an organization established to exercise authority over a group of people. The political
system defines the process for making official government decisions. Each political system is embedded in a
society with its own political culture, and they in turn shape their societies through public policy. The
interactions between different political systems are the basis for global politics.
Characteristics of Good Governance:
1. Rule of Law - It requires full protection of human rights, particularly those of minorities.
2. Consensus oriented - Requires mediation of the different interests in society to reach broad
consensus on society on what is the best interest of who community and how this can be
achieved.
3. Transparency -Allowing the internal and external forces of governance to inquire into, have
access to, and influence to a certain extent the government operation
4. Effectiveness and efficiency- Covers the sustainable use of natural resources and
environmental protection.
5. Participation- Men and Women should have a voice in decision-making that represent their
interest.
6. Equity and inclusiveness- All should have opportunities to improve or maintain their well-
being.
7. Responsiveness- Institutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders.
8. Accountability- Organization or an institution is accountable to those who will be affected by
its decisions or actions.
The Concept of Government
Government is the system to govern a state or community. The Columbia Encyclopedia defines
government as "a system of social control under which the right to make laws, and the right to enforce them, is
vested in a particular group in society". The most important function of a government is to remain its power.
The government relies on its people and strive to prove its legitimacy in their eyes. Most governments will strive
to never lose their power in the world.
Another function of a government, is to serve and protect its people.Philippines adapt a democratic type
of government where leaders are elected by the people. Our government provides us protection from other
countries who may wish to harm us, it also provides services to the people so that lives can be lived more safely
and healthy. Our freedom of commerce and right to choose gives us options some other countries do not have.
Governance vs. Government
Governance includes three sectors: the public sector (state,institutions), the private sector (household,
companies) and the civil society (NGO). Governance in a simple definition is broader than government because
other sectors are included in it. While Government refers to central institution which yields power over its
subjects.The government is command over the affairs of the people, “command and control”. In traditional term,
government rules and controls, but in governance, it organize and manages. To govern should now mean to
facilitate or regulate, not to dominate or command.
Activity 1
Directions: Interpret the image presented in 3 sentences.
ASSESSMENT
Directions: Read each item carefully and choose the letter of your answer.
1. Government rules and controls, but in governance, it organizes and manages. Which of the following
supports these statements?
A. Government is broader than government.
B. Governance is a command over the affairs of the people
C. Governance means to facilitate and not to dominate and command.
D. None of these
2. Which of the following statement illustrates transparent government?
A. responses to criticisms
B. ensures that public policies achieve their goals
C. includes all sectors of society in the decision-making process
D. allows the public a chance to participate in an informed manner in political life
3. All men and women have opportunities to improve or maintain their well-being. Which characteristics
of good governance is illustrated?
A. responsiveness C. participation
B. equity and inclusiveness D. consensus oriented
4. Which of the following is NOT a sector of governance?
A. private sector B. public sector C. civil society D. environmental sector
5. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of good governance?
A. consensus oriented B. rule of law C. corruption D. transparency
6. Which of the following situations illustrate the relationship between politics and government?
A. Giving livelihood to rebel returnees C. A traffic enforcer issuing a traffic violation
B. Tax assistance for foreign investors. D. Joining a protest rally or demonstration
7. Which of the following statements describe the importance of good governance?
A. Extension of Loan Term Payment program during pandemic times.
B. Restriction of press freedom due to its criticism to government policy.
C. Readiness to accept obligation and liabilities upon accepting public duty
D. Implementing government project without consultation believing its necessities.
8. It is a complex process where some sectors of the society wield power, and enact and promulgate public
policies which directly affect man’s socio-economic life. This is referred to as _____?
A. good government B. government C. good governance D. governance
9. Which of the following is NOT a pressing political issue?
A. poverty and unemployment C. population explosion
B. environmental degradation D. spiritual salvation
10. Corazon and Rodrigo are advocates of good governance; they believe that being a leader, one must take
full responsibility in ensuring all agencies must function to serve its citizen. Based from the statement, which
characteristic of good governance is being described?
A. transparency B. participation C. rule of law D. accountability
