Politicsand Diplomacy
Politics is about power- the ability to control and influence people. The study of politics is concededly without equal in terms of intrigue, excitement and importance. Considering that the priority of every government is to maintain peace and order, it is quite challenging to come up with the level of power that a national authority should possess to a national sociopolitical order within its jurisdiction. That is to say that level of power and authority short of denegrating the writer of a free society.
Having said that, it is consoling to note that our political institutions in due respect to the mandates of Philippine Contitution are indeed established towards limiting power : limiting power so that Filipinos can truly enjoy their God-given freedom. Thus, the adoption of the doctrine of separation of powers which calls for an independent Congress, President and High Court. The President and members of a bicameral legislature are directly elected by the people while the justices of Supreme Court are appointed by the President.
It must be recalled that the doctrine of Separation of powers is a political theory developed by Montesquieu from his studies of the British Constitution, arguing that the arbitraty exercise of government power should be avoided by dividing it between distinct departments. Each branch was to have its function, duties and authority and in theory no branch could encroach upon another. In practice, however, there has always been a necessary, if not unavoidable overlap. The Legislature can appose and impeach members of the Executive; the President can also nets legislation; and the Supreme Court can adjustment the actions of the other branches; its members, in turns, are presidential appointies subject to congressional confirmation.
Yet while experience shows that, at one time or another, one branch exhibits superiority importance over the others or tends to dominate the ohers, the principle of checks and balances ensures that power can and does shift between them.
In passing, it is important to note that the Presidency involves a chain of command and the President is the Boss. The Congress and the Supreme Court do not have chain of command. It must be stressed though that the power of Congress is most dramatic in terms of money-the power of the purse. This power affects virtually every activity of the government. Thus Congress can get involved in everything Malacañang does. This is the overiding reason why the political party of the Chief Executive must take majority control of both Houses of Congress. Thus, the President must not only be an all accomodating Head of State but also must possess the irresistable charm of dimplomacy. GOD BLESS!