Learning Activity Sheet in

Philippine Politics and Governance

First Semester, SY 2021

OVERVIEW

For the Learners

Welcome to the journey of Philippine Politics and Governance! Prepare yourself
to discover how far you have gone in developing your essential life skills in Politics and
Governance in the Philippines, especially the concept, relationship and importance of
politics, governance and government. As a Senior High School learner, you have to deal
with a variety of learning skills in your daily life.

This module will help you face the rigors of the curriculum aligned with the K to
12 features. The primary goal of this module is not only to further enhance your skills,
but more importantly to ensure that you are able to use these skills to develop your
capacity to think critically and logically.

The objectives of this module are best achieved if the learners fully understand the concept,
relationship and importance of politics. Additionally, learners are required to:
1. Read and understand the instructions properly;
2. Write your answers in intermediate paper;
3. Answer the pretest prior to the lesson proper;
4. Take note of the terminologies (mark and labeled as bold) cited relevant to the study of Social
Sciences;
5. Perform critically the activities instructed in this module; and
6. Answer the given assessment test after thorough study of the lessons.

NOTE: In answering activities, or writing reaction or reflection papers, or answering tests or quizzes, ALWAYS
USE ONE WHOLE SHEET OF INTERMEDIATE PAPER. Also, WHEN ANSWERING PRETESTS, PRE-
DISCUSSION ACTIVITIES, AVOID READING OR REFERRING TO THE LEARN PART FOR YOUR
ANSWERS. DO NOT CHEAT. ANSWER HONESTLY AS POSSIBLE.

What I Need to Know

This learner activity sheet will help you understand the concept, relationship and importance of politics,
governance and government.

After you have completed this activity sheet, you are expected to:
1. Explain the concept, relationship and importance of politics, governance and government.

Lesson Explain the concept, relationship and importance of politics,

1 governance and government
1.
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Explore!
 ACTIVITY 1- I Believe. What comes to your mind if you hear the words politics, government, or
governance? Examine the pictures below and identify to which concept this picture belongs. Your answer
should always start with the words I Believe and followed by because. Example: I believe picture 1 is
governance, because. Answer in your answer sheet and label this Lesson 1 – Activity 1.

1, 2.

3. 4.

5. 6.

7. 8.

2.

In every aspect of man’s life, there is always conflict and disagreement. Some disagree about the
distribution of powers and resources as well as how to resolve such disagreement. Questions such as “Why do
different group choose to solve conflict through war?” What causes poverty and how do we solve it? Why is

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corruption so common in the government? How can we improve the lives of Filipinos? These questions call
politics to come in.

What is Politics?

What is politics? Politics comes from the Greek word polis, a small independent self- contained political
society. Thus, from polis, we have the word polites, ,meaning citizens and politikos, meaning government
officials.
As the heart of political science, politics is the activity of people where they create, preserve and amend
laws under which they live. 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. As
public affair, politics is played by everybody, politicians 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. 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. As power, politics happens
in all human interactions: within the family, among friends,
among office mates, etc. Politics can, therefore, be seen as
struggle over scarce resources, and power can be seen as the means through which struggle is conducted.

Politics focuses its study on the actual actions or decisions of the state. As defined by Harold Laswell,
“politics is the study of who gets what, when and how”. This includes determining who gets power,
authority, and leadership, when are they able to get it and how were they able to it. Thus, politics is the
exercise of power, the science of government, the making of collective decisions, and the allocations of scarce
resources.

Politics, as defined within political science refers to human behavior with regard to matters related to
government activities such as the formulation and execution of policies, creation of laws, selection of
government officials; negotiations with foreign governments and other entities or organizations; protection of
territorial boundaries; preservation of cultural heritage and tradition; and upholding the public interest and
welfare. Politics is often associated with the concept of power and the exercise of legitimate authority in a
state.

Characteristics of Politics (Shievely, 2013)

1. Politics always involves the making of collective decisions for group of people;
2. Those decisions are made by some members of the group exercising power over other members of the
group.

The Science of Politics

1. It is the basic knowledge and understanding of the state and the principles and ideals which underlie its
organization and activities.
2. It is primarily concerned with the association of human beings into ‘body politic’ or in a political community.
3. It deals with those relations among men and groups which are subject to control by the state with the
relations of men and groups to the state itself and the relations of the state to another state. As pointed by
Robert Dahl, “politics is the existence of rules or authority within the state. It is therefore the study of power
relationship among the people in a given society as well those relationships among states in the international
community (Lazo, 2009).

Approaches to Defining Politics

In Heywood citing Hay (2002) and Leftwich (2004) identified two broad approaches:
a. Politics as an Arena or location – In here, politics is associated with an arena or area, in which case
behavior becomes ‘political because of where it takes place’. This includes the art of government and public
affairs.
b. Politics as a Process or mechanism – In which case, ‘political behavior is behavior that exhibits
distinctive characteristics or qualities, and so can take place in any, and perhaps, all social contexts. It includes
compromise and consensus, and power and the distribution of resources.

The Meaning of Governance

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 The concept of “governance” is as old as human civilization. Governance was defined as “the process
of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented). It also refers to
how various institutions of government, from local to the national level, work together to successfully implement
policies and programs.

It is through governance that a government is able to have a direct and significant impact on the lives of
its citizens.

Characteristics of Good Governance (UNESCO for Asia and the Pacific)

1. Participation – as one of the aspects of good governance, by both men and women, must partake directly
or indirectly (having a representative) in every governmental process. This is because participation is an
essential cornerstone of good governance.

2. Rule of Law – this means to say hat good governance manifested through the impartiality of their legal
framework such as the promotion of a full protection of human rights and dignity especially those members of
minority.

3. Transparency – this means that decisions were taken, and their enforcement are done in a manner that
follows rules and regulations. It also means that information is freely available and directly accessible to those
who will be affected by such decisions and their enforcement. It also means that enough information is
provided and that is provided in easily understandable forms and media.

4. Responsiveness – Good governance requires that institutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders
within a reasonable time frame.

5. Consensus oriented – Good governance requires mediation of the different interests in society to reach a
broad consensus in society on what is in the best interest of the whole community and how this can be
achieved. It also requires a broad and long-term perspectives on what is needed for sustainable human
development and how to achieve the goals of such development.

6. Effectiveness and Efficiency – Good governance means that processes and institutions produce results
that meet the needs of society while making the best use of resources at their disposal. The concept of
efficiency in the context of good governance also covers the sustainable use of natural resources and the
protection of the environment.

7. Accountability – is a crucial requirement for good governance. Not only governmental institutions but also
the private sector and civil society organizations must be accountable to the public and their institutional
stakeholders.

The Concept of Government

Government refers to the agency or mechanism through which the will of the state is formulated,
expressed and carried out. The word is sometimes used to refer to the person or aggregate of those persons in
whose hands are placed for the time being the functions of political control. This “body of men” is usually
spoken of as “administration.” The ordinary citizens of a country are a part of the state, but are not part of the
government.

Purpose and Necessity of Government

1. Advancement of the public welfare – Government exists and should continue to exist for the benefit of
the people governed. It is necessary for the protection of society and its members, the security of the persons
and property, the administration of justice, the preservation of the state from external danger, and the
advancement of the physical, economic and cultural well-being of the people.

2. Consequence of Absence (What if there is no government?) – Government exists to do these

things by which their very nature, it is better equipped to administer for the public welfare than any private
individual or group of individuals. It is obvious that without an organized structure of government, anarchy and
disorder, and a general feeling of fear and insecurity will prevail in society, progress and development will not
be possible, and values taken for granted in a free modern society such as truth, freedom, justice, equality, rule
of law, and human dignity can never be enjoyed.
The need for government is so apparent that even the most primitive societies, history shows, had
some form of it.
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Government and Governance

Once a government is deemed functional, governance follows. Governance refers to the process by
which laws and policies are enacted by the government through the implementation of programs that uphold
the general welfare. Governance also refers to how the various institutions of government, from the local to the
national level, work together to successfully implement government policies and programs.
It is through governance that a government is able to have a direct and significant impact on the lives of
its citizens. In this regard, good governance in the Philippines is indicated in recent times by key components
such as sound financial management, environmental management, social security, peace and order, disaster
preparedness, access to services and information, and a competitive business-friendly economy. These
components are significant both at the national and local government levels.
__________________________________________________________________________

The study of politics

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 3. Engage
A. Below are pictures that show human actions
and interactions on a usual basis. Analyse the pictures carefully. Explain what you think these pictures are.
Then, identify which discipline (anthropology, sociology, or political science) can be used to understand the

Note: Do not copy or draw the pictures anymore. You can proceed to answering directly the three columns.
Answer using your answer sheets. DO NOT WRITE ANYTHING HERE.

What you think these What discipline can be Why is it important to

pictures are used to explain the understand this picture
picture and why?

Example: Anthropology can be used It is important to

This is a picture of a to explain the picture since understand this picture so
community. what we see in the picture that we will be able to
shows culture of a understand the different
community. cultures in our community,
so that we will avoid
misunderstanding their
culture.

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 4. Apply
Write a reflection paper based on the activity above, guided by this question: “Why is it important to understand
the nature and goals of anthropology, sociology and political science in understanding culture, society and
politics?” Use a separate paper in making your reflection. Label this activity as Lesson 1 – Quiz 1. Please
take note of the rubrics below which is used in grading your paper.

Content (Essence of reflection) - 8 points

Use of language (words used, correctness of grammar) - 4 points
Workmanship (margins, penmanship, neatness) - 3 points

TOTAL - 15 points

References:

Web:

https://www.amazon.com/Cultural-Anthropology-2nd-Nancy-Bonvillain/dp/0205685099, accessed on August 7, 2020

https://dlpng.com/png/936749, accessed on August 7, 2020
https://www.vectorstock.com/royalty-free-vector/democratic-election-vector-6151561, accessed on August 7, 2020

Books:

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 Lesson Perspectives of Anthropology, Sociology and Political Science
2 (UCSPC11DCS-Ic6)

What I Need to Know

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to understand Society and Culture According to the
Three Disciplines, particularly:

 Identify the perspectives of Anthropology, Sociology and Political Science

 Explain the different perspectives.

1. Explore!
Activity 1. Look for the meaning of the following words. Then, list their synonyms. You can list as many as you
can. Use the format below. Use intermediate paper in making your activity. DO NOT REFER TO THE NEXT
PAGE in answering your activity. Label it Lesson 2 – Activity 1.

Concepts What it Means Synonyms

1. Perspective
2. Culture
3. Society
4. Politics
5. Relativism
6. Diversity
7. Conflict
8. Functionalist
9. Symbol
10. Interaction
11. Ethnocentrism
12. Multiculturism
13. Cultural Sensitivity
14. Xenocentrism
15. Colonial Mentality

Activity 2. Power Organizer

Directions: After looking up for the meaning of the above words, group them according to the perspective
where these words or concepts are part of. DO NOT REFER TO THE NEXT PAGE in answering your activity.
Label it Lesson 2 – Activity 2 and use your intermediate paper in answering this activity.

Anthropology Sociology Political Science

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 2. Learn
What is a Perspective? Collins dictionary(https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/perspective)
defines perspective as a particular way of thinking about something, especially one that is influenced by
your beliefs or experiences. The term has its closest association to the concept of social theory. “A social
theory is a set of interrelated ideas and concepts that provides a foundation for explaining and understanding
social realities. As a guiding principle, it gives us direction and structure to help organize our thoughts in doing
intellectual work or conducting social inquiry, such as in social research.”

“Social theories serve as useful guides that enable scholars and researchers to formulate the right
questions and arrive at the correct answers in their social inquiry. This inquiry may be in the form of social
investigation, policy evaluation, or action research, among others.” (Jison & Ponsaran, p. 70)

Anthropology, Sociology, and Political Science are the three essential social science disciplines
that take a closer look at society and culture. Understanding how individuals behave, interact, and develop
within societies can enlighten us on the factors, forces, and processes that encourage and hinder the progress
of societies and cultures in today’s world.

Anthropology considers culture is the central focus of its discipline. It studies the different cultures of
different societies. Anthropology examines and provides explanations for the existence of different cultural
patterns as well as the similarities and differences between different cultures. In their studies of various
cultures, anthropologists have adopted two major views with regard to how cultures should be considered in
comparison to others: (1) relativistic approach, and (2), ethnocentric approach.

The relativistic approach considers culture as equal. This view holds that there are no “superior”
and “inferior” cultures, and each is unique in its own way.

The ethnocentric approach is the belief that one’s native culture is superior to other cultures .
Ethnocentric societies tend to have a negative view of other countries. Ethnocentrism diminishes or invalidates
“other” ways of life and creates a distorted view of one’s own. As a result, this could affect individual behaviour
and relationship with other cultures. Extreme forms of ethnocentrism have led to wars or colonization.

Conversely, there are some societies that have the tendency to consider their culture as inferior
to others. This is called xenocentrism. Some Filipinos share the perception that some aspects of Philippine
culture are inferior compared to foreign cultures, particularly those of our former colonizers. Filipinos who have
this perception are considered as Filipinos with “colonial mentality”.

At present, majority of modern societies place emphasis on cultural relativism, which recognizes and
accepts the cultural differences between societies. This view believes that every aspect of human culture can
be justified by the context in which the culture has been formed, No particular culture therefore can claim
superiority over other cultures. However, it is important to know and understand the nature and characteristics
of societies and their respective cultures first, before judgement and action.

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Cultural Relativism vs. Ethnocentrism vs. Xenocentrism

Sociology relates culture with the overall context of social order. There are different sociological
perspectives that explain this order.

Structural functionalism Conflict theory assumes that Symbolic interactionism views

operates on the assumption that there is constant power struggle individual and group behaviour
society is stable and orderly among the various social groups and social interactions as defining
system. Structural functionalists and institutions within society. features of society. Symbolic
consider culture as glue that binds Conflict theorists study the culture interactionists believe that culture
society together, leading to social of “dominant classes” and analyse provides shared meanings to the
order. how this culture is imposed on members of society. The more
other classes. The effective meanings are shared, the more
domination of this class facilitated society ensures social order.
by culture brings about social
order.

How are these perspectives applied in looking at Philippine society? Using a structural functional
approach, we can examine the significance of religion in binding Filipino Catholics, Filipino Muslims, and other
Filipinos who belong to other faiths, and how they can relate to each other using the same sacred texts,
doctrines, beliefs, practices, and other related symbols. Religion, in this view, becomes the glue that unites
Filipinos together. However, using the conflict approach, Roman Catholicism could be seen as a cultural tool
that is partly responsible for the exclusion of other local cultures. Through the lens of the symbolic interactionist
model, religion could be viewed as the major factor that affects the general patterns of behaviour and life
situations of the members of society. It could also be suggested that symbols outside the realm of religion can
be used to promote interactions and unite Filipinos of different religions and other cultural orientations. It can
be argued that social order is possible in the Philippines when Filipinos of different cultures share the same
symbols and meanings.

Political science also examines culture as a virtual aspect of society. Culture, together with political
socialization, is analyzed in order to explain political behavior such as voting patterns and the behavior of
leaders. Culture is seen as an important element in building social capital and can also lead to future conflicts
and division. Political Science also looks into the decline of cultural domination by Western countries and the
subsequent rise of multiculturalism, an ideology that acknowledges and promotes cultural diversity within
society. Multiculturalism entails the establishment of political groups and institutions comprised of people from
diverse cultures. This view challenges the idea of nation-state and the advancement of nationalist and
ultranationalist policies.

Others advanced the concept of cultural sensitivity and cultural relativism. Cultural relativism
implies that all aspects of a particular culture should be accepted and even celebrated. Cultural
sensitivity advances the awareness and acceptance of cultural differences but encourages a critical
stance in dealing with issues regarding diversity. This view believes that not all cultural practices,
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traditions, and views can be integrated, and that distinct cultures can harmoniously coexist in society. This view
advocates a respectful view of the uniqueness and distinctness of other cultures, and encourages individual
societies to guard against ethnocentric and xenocentric views, as these are significant threats to cultural
diversity and social stability.

3. Engage
Activity 2. Complete the graphic organizer by writing the required information in the appropriate spaces. Copy
the table on your answer sheet.

Term Definition (provide your own Example/s (Give examples that

understanding of the term) are observed in your locality only)

Ethnocentrism
Xenocentrism
Cultural Relativism
Multiculturalism
Cultural Sensitivity

4. Apply
Answer the following questions comprehensively. For questions answerable by a Yes or No, always follow it an
explanation or always defend your answer. Copy the questions first on your answer sheet before answering. Every
perfect answer is given five points.

1. Is there a single Philippine culture or are there different cultures in the Philippines?
2. Is Philippine culture superior or inferior to other cultures? Explain?
3. What are the contributions of other cultures to Philippine culture? (Give at least three contributions.) Did they
endanger or enrich the evolution/development of Philippine culture?
4. What are the threats and challenges to Philippine culture? What can you do about them? (Just give one
threat/challenge)
5. Identify one social conflict that is happening at present/currently happening in our society. What is the best way
to manage such conflict?

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Source:

Understanding Culture, Society and Politics Alternative Delivery Mode Quarter 1 – Module 1. The Nature of
and Goals of Anthropology, Sociology and Political Science. First Edition, 2020. Philippines: Department of
Education – Alternative Delivery Mode (DepEd-ADM).

Atienza, Maria Ela, et. al. (2016). Understanding culture, society, & politics. Quezon City, Philippines: C&E
Publishing, Inc.

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