Government and Constitution
The Government and Constitution domain tests the 1987 Constitution's structure: who holds power, how laws are made, what rights are protected, and how officials are held accountable.
Core structure
- Executive (Art. VII): President and Vice President elected separately for six years; the President is not eligible for reelection, while the Vice President may serve up to two successive terms.
- Legislative (Art. VI): Senate of 24 elected at large, plus the House of Representatives. Revenue and appropriation bills originate in the House.
- Judiciary (Art. VIII): Supreme Court of 15 justices; the Judicial and Bar Council screens nominees.
- Commissions (Art. IX): CSC, COMELEC, and COA, each independent.
- Bill of Rights (Art. III): due process, protection against unreasonable searches, and rights of the accused.
- Accountability (Art. XI): impeachment initiated by the House and tried by the Senate.
Worked example
Trace how a bill becomes law. A bill is filed, read three times in its chamber, and transmitted to the other house. If versions differ, a bicameral conference committee reconciles them and both houses ratify the report. The enrolled bill goes to the President, who signs or vetoes it; a veto is overridden by two-thirds of each house. Knowing this sequence lets you answer any step-order item by elimination.
Traps that cost marks
- Assuming the President may run for a second term.
- Mixing impeachment roles - the House charges, the Senate tries, and the Chief Justice presides except in the President's trial.
- Forgetting that the Vice President is elected separately from the President.
- Confusing the 1935, 1973, and 1987 Constitutions.