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5.1 Philippine History, Government, Constitution & Civics
Ateneo College Entrance Test ACET
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1 Chapter 1: Mathematics
1.1 Real Numbers, Ratios, Rates & Percentages 1.2 Algebraic Expressions, Polynomials & Linear Equations 1.3 Functions, Domain/Range, Graphs & Transformations 1.4 Quadratic, Polynomial, Exponential & Logarithmic Equations 1.5 Plane Geometry: Triangles, Circles, Polygons & Perimeter/Area 1.6 Coordinate Geometry: Lines, Distance, Midpoints & Conic Sections 1.7 Trigonometry: Right Triangle Ratios, Unit Circle & Basic Identities 1.8 Arithmetic & Geometric Sequences, Series & Word Patterns 1.9 Permutations, Combinations, Probability & Statistics
2 Chapter 2: English Proficiency
2.1 Subject-Verb Agreement, Verb Tenses & Aspect 2.2 Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement, Case, Misplaced & Dangling Modifiers 2.3 Sentence Structure, Run-Ons, Fragments & Parallelism 2.4 Contextual Vocabulary, Word Roots, Prefixes & Suffixes 2.5 Advanced Synonyms, Antonyms & Nuanced Vocabulary 2.6 Verbal Analogies: Relationship Types & Solving Strategies 2.7 Punctuation, Capitalization, Mechanics & Common Errors 2.8 Diction, Idiomatic Expressions, Prepositions & Frequently Confused Words
3 Chapter 3: Reading Comprehension
3.1 Identifying Main Ideas, Central Themes & Paragraph Summaries 3.2 Locating Explicit Details, Supporting Evidence & Data 3.3 Drawing Logical Inferences & Unstated Conclusions 3.4 Analyzing Author's Purpose, Point of View, Tone & Attitude 3.5 Interpreting Figurative Language, Tone Words & Context Clues 3.6 Text Structure, Rhetorical Devices & Evaluating Arguments
4 Chapter 4: Logical and Abstract Reasoning
4.1 Number & Letter Series Patterns & Formulas 4.2 Abstract Reasoning: Matrix Patterns & Figure Rotations 4.3 Formal Syllogisms, Categorical Logic & Deductive Proofs 4.4 Coding-Decoding, Cipher Patterns & Symbol Operations 4.5 Spatial Visualization, Paper Folding & Venn Diagram Logic
5 Chapter 5: General Knowledge
5.1 Philippine History, Government, Constitution & Civics 5.2 Integrated Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics & Earth Science 5.3 Philippine & World Geography, Basic Economics & Cultural Facts 5.4 Current Events, World Landmarks, Literature & General Trivia
6 Chapter 6: ACET Essay Writing & Exam Strategies
6.1 ACET Essay: Thesis Development, Structuring & Argumentation 6.2 Time Allocation, Pacing Strategies & Subtest Tactics 6.3 Guessing Strategies (No Penalty), Test Anxiety & Exam Day Readiness
5.1 Philippine History, Government, Constitution & Civics
Key Takeaways Explain This Topic AI
Philippine history spans pre-colonial barangay polities, over three centuries of Spanish rule (1565–1898), American colonial governance, Japanese occupation during WWII, and modern post-war independence.
The Propaganda Movement led by Rizal, Del Pilar, and Jaena laid the intellectual foundation for the Katipunan, which launched the 1896 Philippine Revolution against Spain.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution establishes a presidential, democratic, and republican state with power divided among three co-equal branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary.
Under the 1987 Constitution, the President serves a single 6-year term, Senators serve 6-year terms (max 2 consecutive terms), and House Representatives serve 3-year terms (max 3 consecutive terms).
Philippine citizenship is governed primarily by the principle of Jus Sanguinis (right of blood), complemented by naturalization and dual citizenship under Republic Act 9225.
Last updated: July 2026
Philippine History, Government, Constitution & Civics
The General Knowledge subtest of the Ateneo College Entrance Test (ACET) frequently evaluates a candidate's understanding of Philippine historical turning points, constitutional provisions, governmental structures, and civic principles. A strong grasp of these concepts is essential for analyzing historical cause-and-effect relationships and understanding the democratic institutions of the Philippines.
- 1. Timeline of Philippine History
- Pre-Colonial Era
Before Spanish arrival, the Philippine archipelago was composed of independent coastal and inland polities known as barangays , derived from the Malayan boat called balangay . Each barangay was headed by a Datu (or Rajah/Sultan in larger maritime polities). Social stratification included the noble class ( Maharlika and Timawa ) and the dependent class ( Alipin , divided into Aliping Namamahay who owned property and Aliping Saguiguilid who lived in the master's household). Active maritime trade existed with Song, Yuan, and Ming Dynasty China, the Majapahit Empire, and neighboring Southeast Asian kingdoms.
Spanish Colonial Period (1521–1898)
1521: Ferdinand Magellan landed on Homonhon Island on March 16, 1521, and was killed by Lapulapu at the Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521.
1565: Miguel López de Legazpi established the first permanent Spanish settlement in Cebu and founded Manila as the capital in 1571.
Colonial Institutions: The Galleon Trade (Manila-Acapulco Trade, 1565–1815) linked Asian goods to the Americas and Europe. Institutions included the Encomienda system (land and labor grants), Polo y Servicios (40 days of forced labor for adult males), and Tributo (taxation).
Propaganda Movement (1880s): Reform movement led by Ilustrados (educated Filipinos in Europe) including Dr. José Rizal ( Noli Me Tángere , 1887; El Filibusterismo , 1891), Marcelo H. del Pilar ( La Solidaridad editor), and Graciano López Jaena . The execution of the secular priests Gomburza (Gómez, Burgos, and Zamora) in 1872 ignited Philippine national consciousness.
The Philippine Revolution (1896): Founded by Andrés Bonifacio on July 7, 1892, the secret society Katipunan (KKK) launched the revolution following the Cry of Pugad Lawin in August 1896. Rizal was executed on December 30, 1896.
Declaration of Independence (1898): General Emilio Aguinaldo declared Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898 . The Malolos Constitution was promulgated on January 21, 1899, establishing the First Philippine Republic (inaugurated January 23, 1899).
American Colonial Era, Commonwealth & World War II
Treaty of Paris (Dec 10, 1898): Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States for $20 million, triggering the Philippine-American War (1899–1902).
Tydings-McDuffie Act (1934): Provided for a 10-year transition period toward full independence, creating the Commonwealth of the Philippines in 1935 with Manuel L. Quezon as President and Sergio Osmeña as Vice President.
Japanese Occupation (1941–1945): Japan invaded following Pearl Harbor. Key events included the Fall of Bataan (April 9, 1942), the Bataan Death March , and the Fall of Corregidor (May 6, 1942). General Douglas MacArthur returned in October 1944 at Leyte Gulf.
Post-War Independence: The U.S. recognized Philippine independence on July 4, 1946 (Third Republic). President Diosdado Macapagal officially moved Independence Day celebrations to June 12 via Proclamation No. 28 in 1962 (enacted as Republic Act 4166 in 1964).
Martial Law & The 1986 People Power Revolution
President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. placed the nation under Martial Law via Proclamation 1081 on September 21, 1972 (signed/announced Sept 23). Authoritarian rule lasted until February 22–25, 1986, when the peaceful EDSA People Power Revolution ousted Marcos and inaugurated Corazon C. Aquino as the 11th President of the Philippines, leading to the ratification of the 1987 Constitution on February 2, 1987.
2. The 1987 Philippine Constitution & Government Structure
The Philippines is a democratic and republican state where sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them (Article II, Section 1).
Branch Composition Primary Function Term & Tenure Limits
Executive President & Vice President Enforces and administers laws Single 6-year term (no re-election for President); VP limited to 2 consecutive 6-year terms
Legislative Bicameral Congress (Senate & House of Representatives) Enacts laws, confirms appointments, power of the purse Senate: 24 members, 6-year terms (max 2 consecutive terms); House: District & Party-List Reps, 3-year terms (max 3 consecutive terms)
Judicial Supreme Court & Lower Courts Interprets laws, exercises judicial review Chief Justice + 14 Associate Justices; appointed by President from JBC list; tenure until age 70
Checks and Balances
Executive Veto & Legislative Override: The President can veto bills passed by Congress; Congress can override a presidential veto by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all members of both houses.
Impeachment: The House of Representatives has the exclusive power to initiate cases of impeachment (by 1/3 vote of all members), while the Senate sits as the sole court to try and decide impeachment cases (conviction requires a 2/3 vote of all Senate members).
Judicial Review: The Supreme Court holds the power to declare laws, treaties, executive agreements, or presidential decrees unconstitutional if there is a grave abuse of discretion.
Constitutional Commissions
Article IX establishes three independent Constitutional Commissions:
Civil Service Commission (CSC): Central personnel agency of the government.
Commission on Elections (COMELEC): Administers all laws relative to the conduct of elections, plebiscites, and referenda.
Commission on Audit (COA): Examines, audits, and settles all accounts pertaining to government revenues and expenditures.
- 3. Bill of Rights & Civics Principles
- Article III: The Bill of Rights
Section 1 (Due Process & Equal Protection): No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.
Writ of Habeas Corpus: A judicial order directing a person holding another in custody to produce the body of the detainee, safeguarding against arbitrary detention. Suspended only by the President in cases of invasion or rebellion when public safety requires it.
Eminent Domain: The power of the State to take private property for public use upon payment of just compensation .
Citizenship (Article IV)
Jus Sanguinis (Right of Blood): The primary principle in the Philippines where citizenship is determined by blood relation to a Filipino parent, regardless of birthplace.
Jus Soli (Right of Soil): Citizenship determined by place of birth (used in the US, but not in the Philippines).
Dual Citizenship Act (RA 9225): Allows natural-born Filipinos who lost their citizenship through naturalization in a foreign country to reacquire or retain their Philippine citizenship.