Review in General Education Courses

Readings in Philippine History

1. The pre-colonial Philippines was characterized by a variety of:

a) Centralized empires c) Extensive use of gunpowder weapons
b) independent chiefdoms called barangays d) Predominantly Christian population

2. The arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 marked the beginning of the:

a) American colonial period c) Japanese occupation
b) Spanish colonial period d) Philippine revolution

3. The Propaganda Movement of the late 19th century aimed to achieve reform in Spanish rule through:
a) Armed revolution c) Formation of a political party
b) Peaceful protests d) Establishment of a secret society

4. The cry of "Pugad Lawin" in 1896 signified the:

a) End of Spanish rule c) Start of the Philippine Revolution
b) Declaration of Philippine independence d) Assassination of a prominent Filipino leader

5. The period of American rule in the early 20th century focused on:
a) Granting full independence to the Philippines c) Suppression of nationalist movements
b) Assimilation of Filipinos into American culture d) Establishment of a self-governing Philippine commonwealth

6. Which of the following was a major social issue during Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines?
a) Land reform and agrarian unrest c) Ethnic conflict and separatist movements
b) Indigenous rights and cultural preservation d) All of the above

7. The Hukbalahap Rebellion was a response to what social issue?

a) Harsh landownership practices and poverty c) Discrimination against minority religious groups
b) Government corruption and lack of representation d) Violation of worker's rights and unfair labor practices

8. What was the impact of the Marcos regime on Philippine society?

a) Increased economic prosperity and social equality c) Rapid industrialization and urbanization
b) Widespread poverty, human rights abuses, and political repression d) Strengthened democracy and freedom of speech

9. What is a continuing social issue in the Philippines today?

a) Lack of access to quality education and healthcare c) Environmental degradation and vulnerability to natural disasters
b) Internal displacement due to armed conflict d) All of the above

10. What is the significance of understanding social issues in Philippine history?

a) It helps us appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage. c) It allows us to glorify past heroes and revolutionaries.
b) It provides context for current events and challenges. d) It has no bearing on the Philippines' present or future.

11. The Philippine Revolution of 1896 aimed to achieve which of the following?
a) Establish a communist state c) Gain independence from the United States
b) Overthrow Spanish colonial rule d) Implement a federal republic

12. The cry of "Hukbalahap" was associated with which Philippine resistance movement?
a) Magdalo Magdiwang c) Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon
b) Katipunan d) Iglesia Filipina Independiente

13. The Marcos dictatorship was marked by all of the following EXCEPT:
a) Suppression of political dissent c) Expansion of infrastructure projects
b) Economic cronyism d) Promotion of freedom of the press

14. The People Power Revolution of 1986 is known for:

a) The overthrow of President Ferdinand Marcos c) The signing of the Philippine-US Military Bases Agreement
b) The establishment of a one-party state d) The declaration of martial law

15. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has historically advocated for:
a) Integration into the Philippine government c) The establishment of a socialist state
b) Complete independence for Mindanao d) Closer economic ties with China
16. During the Spanish colonial period, which of the following was a major economic activity in the Philippines?
a) Industrial manufacturing c) Mining and resource extraction
b) Cash crop agriculture (e.g., tobacco, sugar) d) Widespread development of local businesses

17. The Galleon Trade, a key aspect of the Spanish era, involved trade between the Philippines and:
a) Japan and Korea c) Mexico and Latin America
b) China and Southeast Asia d) Europe and the Middle East

18. Hacenderos, a powerful class during the Spanish period, were primarily:
a) Indigenous Filipino farmers c) Skilled artisans and craftsmen
b) Landowners focused on large agricultural estates d) Spanish merchants controlling trade

19. A major economic consequence of American colonization in the early 20th century was the rise of:
a) Diversified local industries c) Export-oriented agriculture (e.g., cash crops)
b) Increased focus on subsistence farming d) Widespread nationalization of key industries

20. The Marcos dictatorship (1965-1986) saw a period of rapid economic growth, but also:
a) Equitable distribution of wealth among Filipinos c) Significant reduction in poverty
b) Increased political participation by the public d) Eradication of corruption

21. A major economic challenge faced by the Philippines after gaining independence in 1946 was:
a) Lack of skilled labor c) Surplus in the national budget
b) Overdependence on a few agricultural exports d) Strong domestic manufacturing base

22. Land reform has been a significant policy issue in the Philippines. It aims to:
a) Encourage large-scale commercial agriculture c) Increase government control over agricultural production
b) Address land inequality and empower farmers d) Promote foreign investment in agriculture

23. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are a significant source of income for the Philippines. They contribute through:
a) Government subsidies c) Investments in local businesses
b) Remittances sent back home d) Tax revenue collected overseas

24. A major contemporary economic challenge for the Philippines is:

a) Lack of natural resources c) Absence of foreign trade partners
b) High levels of unemployment d) Overdeveloped infrastructure

25. In recent decades, the Philippines has seen growth in the:

a) Heavy industry sector c) Mining and resource extraction
b) Service sector (e.g., tourism, call centers) d) Large-scale agricultural production

26. The Philippines, due to its geographical location, has been influenced by a variety of cultures throughout
history. Which of the following cultures has had the LEAST impact on Philippine society?
a) Chinese b) American c) Japanese d) European

27. Animism, the belief in spirits residing in nature, was a prevalent belief system in pre-colonial Philippines. How did
the arrival of the Spanish affect this practice?
a) Animism was completely eradicated and replaced by Catholicism.
b) Animistic beliefs blended with Catholicism, creating a unique Filipino religious identity.
c) Animism continued to be practiced freely alongside Catholicism.
d) The Spanish encouraged animistic practices as a way to appease the indigenous population.

28. The concept of "pakikisama," or maintaining good relationships, is a core value in Filipino culture. What is
the PRIMARY reason for the importance of pakikisama?
a) To establish dominance and social hierarchy. c) To foster a sense of community and collective harmony.
b) To promote individualism and personal gain. d) To create distance and avoid social interaction.

29. The concept of "utang na loob," or debt of gratitude, is another important aspect of Filipino culture. What is
the EXPECTATION associated with utang na loob?
a) The recipient of a favor is expected to forget the debt entirely.
b) The recipient is obligated to return the favor in some way.
c) The act of giving is more important than receiving repayment.
d) Utang na loob is a one-sided obligation, only the giver has expectations.
30. During the American colonial period, the education system in the Philippines was modeled after the
American system. What was the PRIMARY objective of the Americans in implementing this system?
a) To preserve indigenous Filipino culture and language.
b) To promote American cultural values and create a loyal workforce.
c) To encourage Filipinos to question American authority.
d) To develop a highly skilled and specialized Filipino labor force.

31. What is the Philippines declared to be under the 1987 Constitution?

a) A monarchy b) A socialist state c) A federal republic d) A democratic and republican state

32. Which branch of government is vested with the power to make laws?
a) Executive branch b) Legislative branch c) Judicial branch d) All of the above

33. The Bill of Rights is enshrined in which article of the Constitution?

a) Article I b) Article II c) Article III d) Article IV

34. What is the highest judicial body in the Philippines?

a) Court of Appeals b) Sandiganbayan c) Regional Trial Court d) Supreme Court

35. The 1987 Constitution mandates the separation of powers among the three branches of government. This principle
ensures:
a) Concentration of power in the executive branch c) Unrestricted power for each branch
b) Checks and balances between the branches d) Superiority of the legislative branch

36. The right to suffrage is guaranteed by the Constitution to Filipino citizens who are:
a) 18 years old and above c) Registered voters
b) 21 years old and above d) All of the above

37. The Constitution provides for the protection of the environment. This is embodied in the principle of:
a) Separation of powers c) Sustainable development
b) Due process of law d) Freedom of speech

38. What is the term of office for the President of the Philippines under the 1987 Constitution?
a) Four years, with one re-election c) Six years, no re-election
b) Five years, with one re-election d) Indefinite

39. The Constitution establishes the Commission on Human Rights to:

a) Investigate crimes c) Protect and promote human rights
b) Enforce laws d) Oversee the judiciary.

40. Amending the Constitution is a complex process that requires the approval of:
a) Congress only c) Congress and a people's ratification
b) The President only d) The Supreme Court

41. The secret code used by the Katipunan, a Philippine revolutionary society, was:
a) Anak ng Bayan b) Gomburza c) Rizal d) None of the above

42. Analyzing the origin and authorship of a historical document is referred to as:
a) External Criticism b) Internal Criticism c) Criticism d) None of the above

43. Accounts written by people who lived during the events they describe are considered:
a) Internal Criticism b) Secondary Sources c) Primary Sources d) External Criticism

44. Political caricature, a form of art that exaggerates features for satire, is most associated with which period?
a) Modern Art b) Abstract Art c) Classical Art d) None of the above

45. Ferdinand Magellan named Guam the "Island of Thieves" because:

a) Magellan stole money from there. c) The people were known as thieves.
b) The people stole their boats. d) None of the above

46. The red-masked warriors with white triangles and maroon sashes were most likely:
a) Bayani (Heroes) b) Kawal (Soldiers) c) Katipuneros d) None of the above
47. In Corazon Aquino's speech, she refers to the deposed dictator calling her husband a:
a) Traitor b) Spy c) Nobody d) None of the above

48. "First Voyage Around the World" and "Kartilya ng Katipunan" (Decalogue of the Katipunan) are examples of:
a) Primary Sources b) Texts c) Secondary Sources d) None of the above

49. Historical accounts written by someone who used primary sources are:
a) Primary Sources b) External Criticism c) Internal Criticism d) Secondary Sources

50. The "Island of Thieves" was also known as:

a) Filipinas b) Islas de Filipinas c) Islas de los Ladrones d) None of the above

51. Spanish Colonial Era (1521-1896):

a) Indigenous political structures remained largely intact.
b) Filipinos adopted a more centralized form of government.
c) The concept of a unified Filipino identity began to emerge.
d) Animistic beliefs were fully replaced by Catholicism.

52. Philippine Revolution (1896):

a) The Philippines gained full independence from colonial rule.
b) The social hierarchy established by the Spanish remained unchanged.
c) The call for national identity and self-determination intensified.
d) The dominance of the Catholic Church significantly weakened.

53. American Colonial Era (1898-1946):

a) The Philippines returned to a more traditional, localized way of life.
b) The English language became the primary mode of communication.
c) The concept of a centralized nation-state further developed.
d) Filipino cultural practices were actively suppressed.

54. World War II (1941-1945):

a) The economic and social infrastructure of the Philippines remained stable.
b) The desire for self-governance and independence strengthened.
c) Collaboration with the Japanese government became widespread.
d) Traditional Filipino values and family structures were reinforced.

55. Martial Law Period (1972-1981):

a) Freedom of speech and expression flourished under a strong government.
b) There was a significant economic boom and poverty reduction.
c) Political dissent and activism were heavily restricted.
d) The Philippines became a major player in international relations.