ss chap 2

What are the THREE functions of government in a representative democracy?

Makes and passes laws | Implements and enforces laws | Interprets and applies laws

What is the function of the legislature in Singapore's government?

Makes and passes laws — this is the law-making function of government

What is the function of the executive in Singapore's government?

Implements and enforces laws — turning laws into action on the ground

What is the function of the judiciary in Singapore's government?

Interprets and applies laws — decides how laws are applied in specific cases

What are the FOUR roles of government in working for the good of society?

1. Maintains law and order | 2. Ensures economic and social well-being of citizens | 3. Promotes and protects national interests | 4. Provides goods and resources

Why must the government maintain law and order?

To protect citizens' lives and property, and to ensure internal security and external defence so society can function stably

How does maintaining internal security help shape governance?

It protects citizens' lives and property, allowing trust and stability — conditions needed for Singapore to develop and progress

How does maintaining external security help shape governance?

It strengthens Singapore's defence and deters enemies from attacking, safeguarding national sovereignty

Give TWO examples of how Singapore maintains internal and external security.

Internal: Singapore Civil Defence Force, police force | External: SAF (Singapore Armed Forces), NS (National Service)

Why is ensuring economic and social well-being a key role of government?

Citizens need basic needs met (housing, healthcare, education) to contribute productively to society and feel a stake in the nation

Give TWO examples of how Singapore ensures the economic and social well-being of citizens.

HDB public housing scheme | CPF (Central Provident Fund) for retirement savings

What does "promoting and protecting national interests" mean as a government role?

The government acts on behalf of Singapore in foreign affairs — building alliances, securing trade, and representing Singaporeans globally

What is the link between the government's ROLES and its FUNCTIONS?

The functions (legislative, executive, judicial) are the TOOLS government uses to carry out its ROLES (maintain order, ensure well-being, protect interests)

What is the difference between a government's FUNCTION and its ROLE?

Function = what the government does structurally (makes, enforces, interprets laws) | Role = the purpose or outcome it works towards (order, well-being, national interests)

Why does Singapore need a government to provide public goods and resources?

Market forces alone may not provide essential services fairly — government intervention ensures all citizens benefit, not just the wealthy

What is the principle of "Having Good Leadership" and why does it shape governance?

Good leadership means leaders who are honest, capable and have moral courage to do what is right (not just popular) — this leads to efficient, trustworthy governance

Give ONE example showing Singapore's principle of good leadership in practice.

Lee Kuan Yew emphasised an honest, non-corrupt government | Michael Fay caning — doing what is right, not what is popular

What is the principle of "Anticipating Change and Staying Relevant" and why does it shape governance?

Singapore must predict future changes and adapt policies early — a country's long-term success depends on its ability to stay ahead

Give TWO examples of Singapore anticipating change and staying relevant.

NEWater (treating longkang water for drinking) | Integrated Resorts (Sentosa MBS) — accepting gambling to boost tourism despite controversy

What is the principle of "Providing a Stake for Everyone" and why does it shape governance?

Giving all citizens a stake encourages them to share views on policies, builds trust between people and government, and strengthens sense of belonging

Give TWO examples of Singapore providing a stake for everyone.

Public housing scheme (home ownership via HDB) | Singapore Conversations (national dialogue sessions)

HOW does providing a stake for everyone strengthen governance?

When citizens have a stake, they trust the government more → they are more willing to cooperate → Singapore can progress together

What is meritocracy and why does it shape governance?

Meritocracy = rewards based on hard work and talent, not background or wealth | When people are rewarded fairly, they are motivated to work hard and contribute back to society

Give THREE examples of meritocracy being practised in Singapore.

Edusave scholarships/bursary | DSA (Direct School Admission) | Specialised schools (e.g. School of the Arts, NUS High)

What is the CHALLENGE of "Differing Needs and Interests" for the government?

In a diverse society with limited resources, it is impossible to fully meet everyone's needs — decisions must benefit the majority, causing some to feel left out

Give an example of "Differing Needs and Interests" as a governance challenge.

Citizens without cars want more MRT lines and bus stops, but the government may prioritise building efficient roads/highways instead

What is the CHALLENGE of "Differing Priorities" for the government?

Different groups disagree on which areas deserve the most resources — managing these tensions requires trade-offs and is difficult with limited funds

Give TWO examples of "Differing Priorities" as a governance challenge.

Bukit Brown Cemetery (locals wanted preservation, govt built highway) | Toh Yi Estate (locals signed petition against govt using land for elderly flats)

What is the CHALLENGE of "Unequal Sharing of Costs" for the government?

When a decision benefits society overall, some individuals or groups bear greater costs (e.g. financial loss, relocation) — this causes disagreements and tensions

Give an example of "Unequal Sharing of Costs" as a governance challenge.

Thomson East-Coast MRT construction — residents near the line faced noise/disruption and had to bear greater costs than others

What is a trade-off in governance?

A situation where benefiting one group or achieving one goal means another group or goal is sacrificed — the government must manage this carefully

Why must the government balance SHORT-TERM and LONG-TERM considerations?

Some decisions hurt citizens in the short term but are necessary for Singapore's long-term development — the government must manage resulting tensions while staying forward-looking