Chapter 1 Flashcards
What are the ways in which people can become citizens of a country?
1) By descent: in order to gain citizenship by descent, a child requires at least one parent to be a citizen of that particular country.
2) By country of birth: a small number of countries grant citizenship to those who were born in the country
3) By marriage: in many countries, citizenship can be obtained by marrying a citizen of that country.
4) By naturalisation: many countries grant citizenship to those who have immigrated to that country, resided there for a given number of years and registered themselves as citizens. Some countries require aspiring citizens to pass a test and/ or to give up their original citizenship.
What is democracy?
Democracy means rule by the people. It is a system where people choose their representatives in government.
How does a representative democracy operate?
In a representative democracy, citizens elect their leaders to represent them. These representatives form the government and are given the authority to make decisions on behalf of the citizens. Governments in a representative democracy do not have unlimited power to make decisions or carry out actions. They are required to act according to the laws of the country, also known as a constitution.
What is the constitution?
- The most basic set of rules that all other laws are derived from
- A collection of rules that determine the creation and operation of the government, its organs and institutions.
How does a constitution protect the well-being of citizens?
A constitution that specifies the rights of citizens would help a country protect the well-being of its citizens. With the guidelines clearly articulated, it will ensure that these rights are respected by the law and by everyone in the country.
What are the functions of the constitution of Singapore?
- Is the source of the government’s power: sets out the functions and powers of the various organs
- Limits the government’s power: power is separated between the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary
How does the constitution give citizens certain rights in the area of education?
The Constitution states that no citizen will be discriminated against on the ground of religion, race, descent or place of birth when it comes to the provision of financial aid for education of students in any educational institution.
What is an example of how Singaporeans can benefit from government financial support to ensure they have access to education?
The Ministry of Education provides financial assistance to needy Singaporean students from Government and Government-aided schools. Students under the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) receive full waivers for their school fees and receive free uniform textbooks among other benefits. These benefits vary for students at differing levels of education.
What kind of responsibility do we have as citizens?
As citizens, we have a responsibility to participate in meaningful causes which contribute towards the good of the country. This will help to bring about progress and prosperity, and to build a harmonious Singapore so as to advance the wellbeing of fellow Singaporeans.
What is national identity?
A sense of national identity comes from a shared belief that we belong to the same country. You may share aspects of a common way of life, and feel strongly about similar things as other Singaporeans. As Singaporean citizens, we experience common practices such as singing the National Anthem and taking the National Pledge.
What are the three attributes of citizenship?
- Legal status
- Sense of identity
- Participation in public affairs (issues of general interest/ concern to most people in society)
