General Information: Philippine Civics, History, and Geography
General Information
The General Information portion checks awareness of Philippine history, government, geography, and current public affairs, plus basic civics. It rewards accurate recall and careful reading, not opinion.
Core rules
- The 1987 Constitution establishes three branches: legislative (Congress), executive (President), and judicial (courts). Congress makes laws; the President executes them; courts interpret them.
- The Bill of Rights is Article III of the 1987 Constitution and protects due process, speech, and protection against unreasonable searches.
- Key dates: 1898 Declaration of Independence from Spain; 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution; 1946 recognition of Philippine independence.
- The Philippines is an archipelagic state in Southeast Asia, with Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao as its main island groups.
- In civics, distinguish national from local officials and appointive from elective positions.
- For current events, use recent reputable sources and note the date of the event.
Worked example
Which branch has the power to make laws? Congress, under the legislative branch. The President may sign or veto bills, and courts may review constitutionality, but lawmaking is legislative.
Traps
- Mixing executive and legislative powers, such as saying the President 'makes laws.'
- Relying on outdated current-events facts or confusing similar names.
- Choosing a true statement that does not answer the exact question.
- Treating opinion or campaign rhetoric as established fact.