PHILIPPINE CIVICS INTRODUCTION CHAPTER I GOVERNMENT IN GENERAL 1. Why Government Is Studied. The intelligent pupil or citizen will at once ask, "Why do I study or read about this particular subject?" In regard to government, the answer is easy. Government is always necessary, as the histories of all peoples have proved. All of us are human and often put self-interest first. Consequently, we need some agency to control our actions. We also need an agency to secure coöperation. Government is such an agency. We should, therefore, want to understand the nature of government in order to protect our rights and not to disturb the rights of others. Government exists to maintain peace and order, to protect the country from foreign enemies, and to advance the general welfare. Also, government exists for the good of mankind, so that the people may be developed materially, mentally, morally, and spiritually. Rizal, in El Filibusterismo1 said: "Governments are established 1 English translation as The Reign of Greed, p. 142. PHILIPPINE CIVICS for the welfare of the people, and in order to accomplish this purpose properly they have to follow the suggestions of the citizens, who are the ones best qualified to understand their own needs." We should, therefore, want to know the principles of government in order to see that our government fulfills its purposes. Government is a science that requires careful study. The Filipino can read of the governments of other countries and can use their experience for the good of his country. More important still, he can become acquainted with the political institutions of his native land. He can then judge whether reforms are necessary or not. We should, therefore, want to have an intelligent knowledge of the principles of free government in order that through careful thinking and wise suggestions, we can improve the Philippine Government. The principal reasons for studying government are these (1) To make us understand that we live in a society whose laws we obey for our own good; (2) to explain to us the various duties, the offices and departments, and the working methods of government; (3) to educate us so that we can vote wisely; (4) to prepare us to do our duty as citizens and as good men and women. The citizen has many duties, among which may be mentioned, to discuss public questions intelligently, to vote, and to hold public office. It is necessary, therefore, that you prepare yourselves for good citizenship, in order that you may strengthen and support your govern ment. 2. The Individual.-Every normal human being exists as an individual. He moves and acts through his own efforts. Yet all are in many ways dependent on others. Some are farmers, others are merchants, doctors, and teachers. The farmer sells his products to the merchant; the merchant is sick and employs a doctor; the This building faces Plaza McKinley in the City of Manila. In it are the offices of the secretaries of the Departments and other officials. The House of Representatives held its sessions here for many years. doctor sends his children to be instructed by the teacher -and so on. Every pupil in the school has his own activities and interests, but for his own good he must obey the school rules and care for school property. In the same way individuals in the civilized world must live in groups or in great nations for their own protection and their own good. This fact teaches us in the very beginning that we should respect the rights of others. 3. The Family.-Since individuals are thus dependent upon one another and cannot live alone, they unite and live in groups. The simplest and most natural group is the family. Parents and children live together in peace and happiness and help one another. The father and the mother are in control of the family. Parents have this natural right. It is the duty of parents to protect, support, and educate their children. The children, on the other hand, should obey and respect their elders. "Honor your father and your mother!" is an old and sacred teaching, accepted by all nations. The children should also help their parents. Gradually the family unit becomes larger. In addition to the parents and children, the uncles, aunts, cousins, and other relatives are included, and all work and act for the good of the family. This is one kind of government and is called the "patriarchal." It existed in the Philippines before the coming of the Spaniards. Even now this desire to be with one's family is a strong characteristic of the Filipino, and an admirable one. Happy families, closely united by the bonds of love, will contribute to the strength and character of the Filipino nation. 4. Society. Just as it is necessary for every individual to live and work with the other members of the family, so it is necessary for every family to associate |