Evolution of Philippine Democracy

The Malolos Constitution of 1899 is significant in Asian history because it was:

• The first constitution drafted under U.S. supervision

• The first democratic constitution in Asia

• A military charter for colonial defense

• A constitution modeled after Japan’s Meiji system

The Philippine Organic Act of 1902 (Cooper Act) introduced which major democratic reform?

• Establishment of the Batasang Pambansa

• Creation of a bicameral legislature with a Philippine Assembly

• Immediate Philippine independence

• Party-list system for marginalized sectors

The Jones Law of 1916 was important because it:

• Granted complete independence

• Created a bicameral legislature composed solely of Filipinos

• Established martial law powers of the president

• Made English the official language of government

The Tydings-McDuffie Law primarily provided for:

• U.S. permanent control of the Philippines

• A transition period toward independence

• Establishment of the Commonwealth army only

• Adoption of a socialist economic system

Which Philippine president led the Commonwealth government during most of the transition period?

• Sergio Osmeña

• Manuel L. Quezon

• Jose P. Laurel

• Manuel Roxas

The 1943 Constitution was unique because it was established:

• During the Japanese occupation under Jose P. Laurel

• By Filipino revolutionaries in Malolos

• By U.S. Congress through the Jones Act

• After EDSA I under Corazon Aquino

Marcos justified martial law in 1972 mainly by citing:

• Corruption and economic crisis

• Threats from communists and extremists

• The failure of agrarian reform

• Pressure from foreign investors

A major consequence of the 1973 Constitution under Marcos was:

• Abolition of Congress and shift to a unicameral parliament

• Strengthening of judicial independence

• Legalization of multi-party elections

• Return of the U.S. military bases

The EDSA People Power Revolution (1986) is best understood as:

• A purely military coup

• A peaceful mass uprising restoring democracy

• A judicial declaration against Marcos

• A violent overthrow led by the Communist Party

The 1986 Freedom Constitution under Cory Aquino was considered “revolutionary” because it:

• Allowed her to exercise both executive and legislative powers

• Granted independence from U.S. influence

• Legalized all political parties including communists

• Removed term limits for presidents