The Philippines was already occupied by peoples from various waves of migration from neighbouring islands before the Spanish government
Barangay
The basic political unit in pre-Spanish Philippines, composed of a group of families
Several barangays were headed by a leader called a Rajah, who imposed and implemented laws and penalties to maintain peace and order and the authority of elders
The form of government in pre-Spanish Philippines was monarchial, with social classes emphasized
Social classes in pre-Spanish Philippines
Datu
Timawa
Alipin
Maragtas code
A code of laws from 1250 by Datu Sumakwel
Kalantiaw code
A code of laws from 1433 by Rajah Kalantiaw
Spain established a centralized colonial government in the Philippines in 1565 that was composed of a national government and local governments administering provinces, cities, towns and municipalities
Governor General
The king's representative and the highest ranking official in the Philippines, who exercised certain legislative power
Local government units created by the Spanish
1. Alcaldia
2. Corregimiento
Alcaldia
Governed by an Alcalde Mayor, administered the fully subjugated provinces
Corregimiento
Governed by a Corregidor, administered the provinces that were not fully subjugated
