Multiple Choice
Which period introduced centralized colonial governance in the Philippines?
A. American
B. Spanish
C. Post-Independence
D. Japanese
B- Under Spain, governance was highly centralized in Manila, with little local autonomy.
Decentralization is always successful in improving governance, regardless of local capacity or resources.
Answer: False.
Explanation: Decentralization gives power to local governments, but success depends on their capacity, resources, and leadership. If LGUs lack funds or skilled officials, decentralization may worsen inefficiency instead of solving it.
The branch of government responsible for executing laws.
Answer: Executive.
Explanation: The Executive, headed by the President, ensures that laws passed by Congress are implemented and enforced.
Enumerate the three branches of government.
Answer: Executive, Legislative, Judiciary.
The __________ Commission oversees the merit system and professionalization of government workers.
Answer: Civil Service Commission (CSC). Explanation: The CSC ensures merit-based hiring, promotion, and discipline of civil servants.
Which branch approves the national budget?
A. Executive
B. Legislative
C. Judiciary
D. COA
B- Congress holds the “power of the purse,” ensuring fiscal accountability by reviewing and approving budget proposals.
Staff agencies face higher public scrutiny compared to line agencies because they are directly accountable for service delivery.
Answer: False.
Explanation: Line agencies deliver services (like DOH or DepEd), so the public watches them closely. Staff agencies (like NEDA) only provide advice, planning, or support functions, so they face less direct scrutiny.
The national association that unites and represents provincial governments.
Answer: League of Provinces of the Philippines.
Explanation: This league provides a collective voice for provinces to lobby policies, coordinate programs, and share governance practices.
Enumerate two basic roles of barangays.
Answer: Peace and order, delivery of basic services, dispute settlement, local governance (any 2).
The __________ Branch is responsible for creating laws.
Answer: Legislative.
Explanation: Congress, composed of the Senate and House of Representatives, formulates national laws and policies.
When the President vetoes a bill passed by Congress, how can the Legislative Branch check this power
A. By filing a case in the Supreme Court
B. By impeaching the President immediately
C. By overriding the veto with a two-thirds vote of both Houses
D. By asking the Commission on Audit (COA) to review the bill
C- The President can reject (veto) bills from Congress, but Congress can override this veto if at least two-thirds of both the Senate and House vote in favor. This demonstrates checks and balances. Neither branch has absolute power over lawmaking.
The Executive Branch is tasked with interpreting the laws of the land.
Answer: False.
Explanation: The Judiciary, not the Executive, interprets laws. The Executive enforces laws, the Legislature creates them, and the Judiciary interprets and applies them in disputes.
The period when the merit system and civil service reforms were formally introduced in Philippine public administration.
Answer: American Period.
Explanation: The Americans introduced civil service exams and the merit system, reducing favoritism and promoting professionalism in the bureaucracy.
Enumerate three powers of the President under the Executive Branch.
Answer: Power of appointment, commander-in-chief, control of executive departments, pardoning power (any 3).
The principle of __________ means that no single branch of government should dominate the others.
Answer: Checks and balances.
Explanation: Each branch limits the powers of the others to prevent abuse.
Which of the following best demonstrates devolution?
A. President appointing cabinet members
B. Congress passing a national law
C. Supreme Court reviewing constitutionality of a law
D. A city government running its own health centers
D- Devolution transfers powers and services (like health, agriculture, and social welfare) from national to local governments.
Decentralization and devolution mean the same thing.
Answer: False.
Explanation: Decentralization is broader as it includes deconcentration, delegation, and devolution. Devolution is a specific form of decentralization where powers are transferred permanently to LGUs, as seen in the Local Government Code of 1991.
The Constitutional Commission that ensures honest, orderly, and credible elections.
Answer: Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
Explanation: COMELEC manages and supervises national and local elections, ensuring fair democratic processes.
Enumerate three examples of GOCCs and their primary functions.
Answer: SSS – social security; PAGCOR – gaming revenue; GSIS – government employee insurance; PhilHealth – health insurance (any 3).
The ______________ has the power of judicial review. It can strike down laws passed by Congress or actions taken by the President if they are unconstitutional.
Answer: Supreme Court
Explanation: As part of the system of checks and balances, the Judiciary ensures that both the Executive and Legislative branches do not exceed their constitutional powers. By exercising judicial review, the Supreme Court can declare laws or presidential actions unconstitutional, maintaining the balance of power.
Which GOCC is tasked with managing social insurance for private sector employees?
A. GSIS
B. PhilHealth
C. PAGCOR
D. SSS
D- The Social Security System provides retirement, sickness, and death benefits for private employees and self-employed workers.
The Commission on Audit (COA) is part of the Executive Branch.
Answer: False.
Explanation: COA is an independent Constitutional Commission, not under the Executive. Its independence ensures unbiased auditing of government funds.
The law that formally institutionalized decentralization and devolution in the Philippines.
Answer: Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991).
Explanation: RA 7160 gave LGUs more autonomy, resources, and responsibilities, empowering local governance.
Enumerate the three Constitutional Commissions and their primary functions.
COMELEC – administer elections; COA – audit public funds; CSC – oversee civil service.
The principle of __________ ensures that power is divided among the three branches, while the principle of __________ allows national and local governments to share responsibilities.
Answer: Separation of powers; decentralization.
Explanation: Separation of powers prevents abuse by dividing functions among Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary. Decentralization gives autonomy to LGUs under the Local Government Code of 1991