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BAR EXAM REVIEWER STUDY GUIDE
2026-27 LATEST VERSION
12I. Political Law
A. Constitutional Law
1. Principles
○ Supremacy of the Constitution - The Constitution is the fundamental
law of the land, and any law or act inconsistent with it is void (Art.
XVII, Sec. 1, 1987 Constitution).
○ Separation of Powers - The legislative, executive, and judicial
branches have distinct and independent powers to prevent abuse.
○ Checks and Balances - Each branch has powers to check the
others to maintain balance and accountability.
○ Doctrine of State Immunity - The State cannot be sued without its
consent (Art. XVI, Sec. 3, 1987 Constitution).
2. Bill of Rights
○ Due Process and Equal Protection - No person shall be deprived of
life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor denied the
equal protection of laws (Art. III, Sec. 1).
○ Rights of the Accused - Right to be presumed innocent, to
counsel, and to a speedy and public trial (Art. III, Sec. 14-16).
○ Freedom of Speech, Religion, and Assembly - Protects
freedom of expression, religion, and peaceful assembly
(Art. III, Sec. 4-5).
3. Judicial Review
○ Justiciable Controversy - Courts can only resolve actual
cases or controversies.
○ Standing to Sue - The party must have a personal and substantial
interest in the case.
4. Constitutional Commissions
○ Civil Service Commission (CSC) - Ensures merit-based employment
in public service (Art. IX-B).
○ Commission on Elections (COMELEC) - Enforces election laws and
supervises elections (Art. IX-C).
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○ Commission on Audit (COA) - Audits government expenditures (Art.
IX-D).
B. Administrative Law
1. Administrative Agencies and Powers
○ Rule-making, enforcement, and adjudication powers derived from
statutes.
2. Rules of Procedure in Administrative Cases
○ Administrative due process requires notice and hearing.
BAR EXAM REVIEWER STUDY GUIDE
2026-27 LATEST VERSION
12I. Political Law
A. Constitutional Law
1. Principles
○ Supremacy of the Constitution - The Constitution is the fundamental
law of the land, and any law or act inconsistent with it is void (Art.
XVII, Sec. 1, 1987 Constitution).
○ Separation of Powers - The legislative, executive, and judicial
branches have distinct and independent powers to prevent abuse.
○ Checks and Balances - Each branch has powers to check the
others to maintain balance and accountability.
○ Doctrine of State Immunity - The State cannot be sued without its
consent (Art. XVI, Sec. 3, 1987 Constitution).
2. Bill of Rights
○ Due Process and Equal Protection - No person shall be deprived of
life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor denied the
equal protection of laws (Art. III, Sec. 1).
○ Rights of the Accused - Right to be presumed innocent, to
counsel, and to a speedy and public trial (Art. III, Sec. 14-16).
○ Freedom of Speech, Religion, and Assembly - Protects
freedom of expression, religion, and peaceful assembly
(Art. III, Sec. 4-5).
3. Judicial Review
○ Justiciable Controversy - Courts can only resolve actual
cases or controversies.
○ Standing to Sue - The party must have a personal and substantial
interest in the case.
4. Constitutional Commissions
○ Civil Service Commission (CSC) - Ensures merit-based employment
in public service (Art. IX-B).
○ Commission on Elections (COMELEC) - Enforces election laws and
supervises elections (Art. IX-C).
, 2
○ Commission on Audit (COA) - Audits government expenditures (Art.
IX-D).
B. Administrative Law
1. Administrative Agencies and Powers
○ Rule-making, enforcement, and adjudication powers derived from
statutes.
2. Rules of Procedure in Administrative Cases
○ Administrative due process requires notice and hearing.
