The 1935 Constitution provided the legal basis of the Commonwealth Government which was considered a transition government before the granting of the Philippine independence with American-inspired constitution; the Philippine government would eventually pattern its government system after American government.
THE COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT
• The form of government prescribed in the Philippine Autonomy Act became the pattern of the Commonwealth Government:
1. Executive Power – vested in the President
2. Legislative Power – unicameral National Assembly composed of not more than 120 members
3. Judicial Power – Supreme Court and such inferior courts as might be established by law
The Form of Government
Art 2, Sec. 1 of the 1935 Constitution:
“The Philippine is a republican state. Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them”
• Conditions were imposed by the
Tydings-McDuffie Act with respect to:
1. The country’s trade relations with the United States,
2. Its financial operations and currency, and
3. The control of its foreign relations.
• Laws passed by the government were reported to the U.S. Congress.
• Power of Review of the U.S. Supreme Court in certain cases decided by the Philippine Supreme Court was still continued.
The Basis and Nature of the Government
The Philippine is a republican state. Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from therm.
