chapter 2 Flashcards
1
Q
Challenges in Deciding What is Good for Society: Differing Needs and Interests
A
- Within a society, deciding on what is good can be challenging due to varying needs and interests.
- People may disagree on what is most important and what they are willing to give up for society’s benefit.
- Basic needs like food and shelter may be agreed upon, but diverse societies may struggle to agree on what leads to a happy or fulfilling life.
- Limited resources mean not everyone’s needs can be fully met, requiring decisions on resource allocation.
2
Q
Example of Differing Needs and Interests
A
- The debate over drilling through the Central Catchment Reserve for the Cross-Island Line:
- Nature groups opposed it due to environmental concerns.
- Working-class people supported it for the commuting benefits.
3
Q
Challenges in Deciding What is Good for Society: Differing Priorities
A
- Even when agreeing on important areas like healthcare, education, and the environment, citizens may disagree on priorities.
- Society’s diversity leads to differences in how priorities are ranked, causing potential conflicts.
4
Q
Example of Differing Priorities
A
- A survey in Singapore (Dec 2012 - Jan 2013) showed differing priorities based on income:
- Those earning above $5,000 prioritized public healthcare.
- Those earning below $5,000 prioritized public housing.
5
Q
Challenges in Deciding What is Good for Society: Unequal Sharing of Costs
A
- Some may bear greater burdens for developments that benefit society as a whole.
- Costs can include noise pollution, loss of property, etc.
- Despite overall societal benefits, the burdens are unequally shared.
6
Q
Example of Unequal Sharing of Costs
A
- Construction of the Thomson Line in Singapore:
- Some residents had to give up land or endure construction noise.
7
Q
Government Management of Challenges: Making Trade-offs
A
- Limited resources require making choices to maximize benefits.
- Trade-offs ensure resources are used effectively for the greater good.
8
Q
Example of Making Trade-offs
A
- Building the Thomson-East Coast Line:
- Alleviates transport burdens but limits future use of land for recreation or industry.
9
Q
Government Management of Challenges: Making Decisions as a Representative Democracy
A
- In a democratic country like Singapore, multiple choices and conflicting demands are resolved through voting.
- The Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary branches play key roles:
- Legislature: Discusses national issues and drafts laws.
- Judiciary: Interprets and applies the laws.
- Executive: Executes policies and runs day-to-day administration.
10
Q
Good Governance in Singapore: Having Good Leadership
A
- Leaders must be honest, capable, and have moral courage and integrity.
- Capable leaders are essential for drafting effective policies and ensuring Singapore’s progress.
- Leaders may need to make unpopular decisions for long-term benefits.
11
Q
Example of Good Leadership
A
- Mr. Liu Thai Ker’s leadership in the National Arts Council led to a vibrant arts scene.
- Decision to build the Integrated Resorts (IRs) with casinos, despite strong opposition, brought economic benefits.
12
Q
Good Governance in Singapore: Good Moral Character and Being Incorruptible
A
- Leaders must make decisions for the country’s good, not personal gain.
- Corrupt leaders face severe consequences, ensuring trust in the government and encouraging foreign investment.
- This contributes to Singapore’s long-term stability and growth.
13
Q
Example of Good Moral Character
A
- The Edwin Yeo saga highlighted the government’s strong stance against corruption.
- Edwin Yeo, a former assistant director of the CPIB, was sentenced to 10 years for misappropriating $1.76 million.
14
Q
Good Governance in Singapore: Anticipating Change and Staying Relevant
A
- Governments must manage short-term tensions while making forward-looking decisions.
- Staying relevant ensures Singapore’s continued progress and prevents stagnation.
15
Q
Example of Anticipating Change
A
- The decision to build the Integrated Resorts (IRs) despite opposition.
- Government anticipated benefits like jobs and tourist spending.
- Addressed concerns by charging citizens an extra fee to enter the casinos.
