Answer:
1899 Malolos Constitution
- First constitution of the Philippines, established the First Philippine Republic after independence from Spain
- Patterned after the Spanish Constitution of 1812, with influences from Latin American charters
- Placed limitations on executive power, but allowed unhampered executive action during wartime
- Never fully implemented and not recognized internationally
1935 Constitution
- Established the Commonwealth of the Philippines and a 10-year transition to independence from the U.S.
- Introduced institutions like the Commission on Elections and outlined civil rights and government structure
1973 Constitution
- Established a presidential-parliamentary system with a unicameral legislature
- Allowed President Ferdinand Marcos to stay in power beyond his two-term limit
- Criticized for concentrating power in the presidency and enabling authoritarian rule
1987 Constitution
- Restored the presidential system and bicameral legislature
- Expanded civil liberties and human rights protections
- Devolved power to local governments and introduced sectoral representation
- Remains the current constitution of the Philippines
In summary, the 1899 Malolos Constitution was the first attempt at an independent Philippine state, the 1935 Constitution paved the way for independence from the U.S., the 1973 Constitution enabled authoritarian rule, and the 1987 Constitution restored democracy and remains in effect today.
