The 1935 Constitution: A Landmark In Democratic Reform

what was the significance of the 1935 constitution

The 1935 Constitution of the Philippines established the Commonwealth of the Philippines and a 10-year transition period to full independence after the US granted self-governance. It was written, approved, and adopted in 1934 and 1935, and later used by the Third Republic (1946-1972). The 1935 Constitution introduced institutions like the Commission on Elections and outlined civil rights and the structure of government. It established a presidential system of government, with a president elected at large for a 4-year term, a bicameral Congress, and an independent Judiciary. The 1935 Constitution was suspended in 1972 when Ferdinand Marcos proclaimed martial law.

Characteristics Values
Established under American rule
Year written 1934
Year adopted 1934
Year approved 1935
Year ratified 1935
Year elections were held 1935
Year inaugurated 1935
Year suspended 1972
Year replaced 1973
Duration 1935–1946
Type of government Presidential system
Type of assembly National Assembly
Legislative power Vested in the National Assembly
Suffrage Male citizens over 21 years of age who could read and write and had resided in the Philippines for at least one year
Supreme law Defines state powers and citizen rights
Judiciary Independent
Term limits One 4-year term with the possibility of one re-election

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Established the Commonwealth of the Philippines

The 1935 Constitution established the Commonwealth of the Philippines, marking a significant step towards the country's independence from the United States. The constitution introduced a 10-year transition period to full independence after the US granted self-governance. This period was interrupted by World War II and the Japanese invasion in 1941, and later, the proclamation of martial law by Ferdinand Marcos in 1972.

The 1935 Constitution was written, approved, and adopted in 1934 by the Commonwealth of the Philippines, and it outlined the structure of the new government, civil rights, and the establishment of new institutions. It was predominantly influenced by the US Constitution, but it also drew from the Malolos Constitution, as well as the constitutions of Germany, Spain, Mexico, several South American countries, and the unwritten constitution of England.

The 1935 Constitution provided for a presidential system of government, with a president elected at large for a 4-year term, subject to one re-election. It also established a bicameral Congress and an independent judiciary. The constitution vested legislative power in a National Assembly, with members chosen every three years through elections. Suffrage was initially granted to male citizens over 21 years of age who could read and write and had resided in the Philippines for at least one year. The National Assembly was tasked with extending the right of suffrage to women within two years, provided that at least 300,000 women voted affirmatively in a plebiscite.

The 1935 Constitution also established a Commission on Elections and outlined the powers of the Supreme Court, including its role in hearing cases involving the constitutionality of treaties or laws. The constitution emphasised constitutional supremacy, aiming to limit government authority and protect citizens' rights.

The first national elections under the 1935 Constitution were held on September 16, 1935, and Manuel L. Quezon was elected as the first President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. The Commonwealth Government of the Philippines was inaugurated on November 15, 1935, and it existed until 1946, when the country gained independence.

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Prepared the country for independence

The 1935 Constitution was a significant step towards independence for the Philippines, which was under US rule at the time. The US had passed the Jones Act in 1916, which specified that independence would only be granted upon the formation of a stable democratic government modelled on the American system.

The 1935 Constitution was written, approved, and adopted in 1934 by the Commonwealth of the Philippines, and it was designed to meet the requirements set out in the Tydings–McDuffie Act to prepare the country for independence. The Tydings–McDuffie Act detailed the steps required for the Philippines to gain independence from the US. The 1935 Constitution was predominantly influenced by the US Constitution but also drew on the German, Spanish, and Mexican Constitutions, as well as the unwritten constitution of England.

The 1935 Constitution established the Commonwealth of the Philippines and outlined a 10-year transition period to full independence after the US granted self-governance. This transition was interrupted by World War II and the Japanese invasion in 1941. The Commonwealth Government of the Philippines was inaugurated on November 15, 1935, and the first national election was held on September 16, 1935, to elect the first set of officials of the Philippine Commonwealth government. Manuel L. Quezon was elected as the first President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines.

The 1935 Constitution introduced institutions such as the Commission on Elections and outlined civil rights and the structure of government. It also established the current presidential system of government, with a president elected at large for a 4-year term, a bicameral Congress, and an independent judiciary.

The 1935 Constitution was replaced by the 1973 Constitution, which was drafted by Ferdinand Marcos to allow him to rule by decree and suppress democratic institutions and civil freedoms.

The Constitution's Necessary Addendum

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Introduced new institutions

The 1935 Constitution of the Philippines established the Commonwealth of the Philippines and introduced new institutions. It was written, approved, and adopted in 1934 by the Commonwealth of the Philippines (1935–1946) and later used by the Third Republic (1946–1972). It was ratified by Filipinos in a nationwide plebiscite on May 4, 1935, and by President Roosevelt in Washington, D.C., on March 25, 1935. The constitution was predominantly influenced by the U.S. constitution but also possessed traces of the German, Spanish, and Mexican constitutions, as well as the constitutions of several South American countries and the unwritten constitution of England.

The 1935 Constitution introduced new institutions and outlined civil rights and the structure of the government. It established a 10-year transition period to full independence after the U.S. granted self-governance. The document also introduced institutions like the Commission on Elections, the Commission on Appointments, and the Commission on Impeachment. The National Assembly was given legislative power, with no member allowed to hold any other office or employment in the government. The Assembly was to consist of no more than 120 members, chosen every three years, and apportioned among the several provinces according to the number of their respective inhabitants.

The 1935 Constitution also established the Supreme Court, which was given the power to promulgate rules concerning pleading, practice, and procedure in all courts, as well as the admission to the practice of law. The Supreme Court was also responsible for hearing and deciding all cases involving the constitutionality of treaties or laws, with no treaty or law allowed to be declared unconstitutional without the concurrence of two-thirds of all the members of the Court.

The 1935 Constitution was significant in that it established the current presidential system of government in the Philippines, introducing new institutions and outlining civil rights and government structures. It provided for a President to be elected at large for a 4-year term (subject to one re-election), a bicameral Congress, and an independent Judiciary. The first President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines was Manuel L. Quezon, who was elected on September 16, 1935, in the first national election held under the 1935 Constitution.

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Outlined civil rights

The 1935 Constitution was written, approved, and adopted in 1934 by the Commonwealth of the Philippines (1935–1946) and later used by the Third Republic (1946–1972). It was drafted by the Constitutional Convention of 1934, which was composed of members of the prewar National Assembly and individuals with experience as delegates. The 1935 Constitution was established under American rule and was predominantly influenced by the U.S. Constitution, but it also drew on the German, Spanish, and Mexican constitutions, constitutions of several South American countries, and the unwritten constitution of England. It was written to meet the requirements set forth in the Tydings–McDuffie Act to prepare the Philippines for its independence.

The 1935 Constitution established the Commonwealth of the Philippines and a 10-year transition period to full independence after the U.S. granted self-governance. It introduced institutions like the Commission on Elections and outlined civil rights and the structure of government. The constitution also featured a political system virtually identical to the American one, with a President elected at large for a 4-year term (subject to one re-election), a bicameral Congress, and an independent Judiciary.

The 1935 Constitution was significant in outlining civil rights and the structure of the government. It provided for a presidential system of government, with the President elected at large for a 4-year term and eligible for re-election. The Constitution also established a bicameral Congress and an independent Judiciary. It outlined the legislative power, which was vested in the National Assembly, with members chosen every three years and apportioned among the provinces according to their population. Suffrage was extended to men over 21 years of age who could read and write and had resided in the Philippines for at least one year, and it also provided a path for women's suffrage.

The 1935 Constitution also established a Commission on Appointments and a Commission on Impeachment, each consisting of 21 members elected from the National Assembly. It outlined the powers of the Supreme Court, including hearing cases on the constitutionality of treaties or laws and promulgating rules concerning pleading, practice, and procedure in all courts. The Constitution further emphasised constitutional supremacy, highlighting its role in limiting government authority and protecting citizens' rights.

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Defined government powers

The 1935 Constitution of the Philippines was written, approved, and adopted in 1934 by the Commonwealth of the Philippines. It was ratified by President Roosevelt in Washington, D.C., on March 25, 1935, and elections were held on September 16, 1935, where Manuel L. Quezon was elected as the first President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. The constitution was predominantly influenced by the U.S. constitution but also possessed traces of the German, Spanish, and Mexican constitutions, as well as the unwritten constitution of England.

The 1935 Constitution established the Commonwealth of the Philippines and a 10-year transition period to full independence after the US granted self-governance. It introduced institutions like the Commission on Elections and outlined civil rights and the structure of the government. The constitution is the fundamental law of the state, encompassing the constitution of government, sovereignty, and liberty. It was written to meet the requirements set forth in the Tydings–McDuffie Act to prepare the country for its independence.

The 1935 Constitution defined government powers by outlining the structure of the government and the rights of citizens. It introduced a presidential system of government, with a President elected at large for a 4-year term, subject to one re-election. The legislative power was vested in a National Assembly, with members chosen every three years and apportioned among the provinces according to their population. The National Assembly was also responsible for electing a Commission on Appointments and a Commission on Impeachment from among its members.

The 1935 Constitution also established the Supreme Court as the highest judicial authority, with the power to hear cases involving the constitutionality of treaties or laws and to promulgate rules concerning pleading, practice, and procedure in all courts. The Supreme Court's decisions were required to be reached through consultation, and any dissenting opinions had to be stated. This aspect of the constitution played a crucial role in limiting government authority and protecting citizens' rights.

Frequently asked questions

The 1935 Constitution was a law that established the Commonwealth of the Philippines and outlined civil rights and the structure of government. It was written, approved, and adopted in 1934 by the Commonwealth of the Philippines (1935-1946) and later used by the Third Republic (1946-1972).

The 1935 Constitution was significant as it established a 10-year transition period to full independence from the US, introduced institutions like the Commission on Elections, and outlined civil rights and the structure of government. It also introduced a political system that was virtually identical to the American one, including a president elected for a 4-year term, a bicameral Congress, and an independent judiciary.

The 1935 Constitution was ratified by Filipinos in a nationwide plebiscite on May 4, 1935. It was then signed by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt on March 25, 1935, and elections were held on September 16, 1935, to elect the first set of officials of the Philippine Commonwealth government. Manuel L. Quezon was elected as the first President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines.

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