Chapter 2 Flashcards
Challenges in deciding WGFS (Differing needs and interest)
It is impossible to fully meet everyone’s needs and interest due to society’s limited resources
Larger population makes agreeing more difficult
Example: Efficient public transport impt. to those without private transport, and efficient road networks are impt. to those with private transport
Challenges in deciding WGFS (Differing priorities)
Citizens disagree on which area the government should prioritise.
Example: The elderly would prefer more resources to keep healthcare affordable, while parents want more resources invested in education for their children
Challenges in deciding WGFS (unequal sharing of costs)
When a decision is made, some bear greater costs than others.
Example: Building expressways for smooth traffic flow, but the noise generated from traffic affects residents living close. These residents thus believe that these facilities should be built further away
How does the government manage conflict demands by understanding trade-offs?
Singapore has limited area which needs to be used for various functions and service e. Government needs to carefully plan and prioritize.
Singapore has to consider its limited resources when making decisions, and the government needs to balance the costs of trade-offs.
Example: In 2014, the government had to make a decision to acquire land previously used for other purposes to build the Thomson-East Coast line. The trade-off was that the piece of land could no longer be used for other purposes
How does the government make decisions in a representative democracy
In a representative democracy, representatives in the government have the political legitimacy to make decisions on behalf of citizens when there is conflicting needs and interests. They make laws and implement them and interpret and apply them.
Example: On 9 October 2000, Singapore parliament passed the Compulsory Education Bill to make it a requirement for every Singaporean child to attend a national primary school unless he or she has been exempted.
How does having good leadership shape governance?
Leaders must be honest and capable. The complex nature of decision-making requires leaders to have the moral courage and integrity to do what is right, even if the decision is not popular with people.
Good incorruptible leaders can win the confidence and respect of people, and will make decisions for the good of the country rather than personal interest
With the right leaders, the government can run without corruption and continue to win the trust and support of the people. With the cooperation of the people, policies are more efficient and effective, leading to good governance
How does anticipating change and staying relevant shape governance?
When citizen’s need are adversely affected in the short term due to a long term decision, tensions may arise and the government needs to manage these and remain forward looking.
Example: In April 2005, the government decided to build 2 Integrated Resorts at Marina Bay and Sentosa which included a Casino. Debates about the IR’s continue due to the economic benefits in comparison to the social costs.
The government thus anticipated change and stayed relevant by seeking potential economic benefits like more job opportunities, and social consequences like higher gambling rates by setting up the National councils on Problem gambling.
Example: The government decided to demolish Pearls Centre and build the Thomson-East Coast Line. The long-term benefit was that the transportation system would be enhanced
Government being forward-looking allows them to identify potential areas of growth, take risks and come up with innovative ideas to give Singapore a head start.
How does providing a stake for everyone shape governance?
It develops a greater sense of belonging by allowing citizens to have a say in decision-making.
They thus feel that they have a stake in Singapore’s future and are more willing to work towards the good of society.
Example: (Our Singapore conversation): Where Singaporeans share their views, hopes and dreams about Singapore.
Example: (Public Housing Scheme): allows Singaporeans to strengthen their sense of belonging through homeownership
Singaporeans are given the chance to be involved in issues that affect them, it gives them a greater say in the policies and creates a sense of belonging as it forges a committed citizenry.
How does practicing Meritocracy shape governance?
Meritocracy refers to a system that distributes opportunities to enable future successes. People are rewarded according to the effort they put in rather than factors like race, religion. The need to practice passionate meritocracy so that citizens will be encouraged to contribute to society (Shared by Emeritus Señor Minister Got Choked Tong, 2013) - Need to achieve meritocracy throughout our lives)
Example(education):
-Students who perform well in their studies are rewarded in ways to help them excel further in their education.
-Edusave scholarship and Merit Bursary schemes rewards the top 10% and 25% of school students respectively.
-It is important for Singapore to nurture all talents as human resource is Singapore’s main resource, upon which economic progress would hinge upon.
