Chapter 2: How do we decide what is good for society? Flashcards
What is the role of Legislature (part of the Government)?
Main role is to pass laws for Singapore.
Consists of the President and the Parliament.
They meet together to discuss important national issues and make laws.
What is the role of the Executive (part of the Government)?
Main role is to implement laws.
Made up of many ministries (such as Ministry of Education, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Defense)
What is the role of the Judiciary (part of the Government)?
Main role is to interpret and apply laws.
Made up of the Supreme Court, the State Courts and the Family Justice Court.
Example, Judiciary enforced the Compulsory Education Bill passed by the Parliament, making it a requirement for all Singaporean child to attend national primary school.
What is Good Leadership? (one of the important ideas in shaping governance)
Honest leaders, not corrupted.
Leaders that do what is right, not what is popular.
Example: While many Singaporeans did not like the NEWater initially, it is still necessary for Singapore to have our own supply of water. The Government did what is right and not what is popular, and develop our own water supply despite people’s dislike for it.
What is “Anticipating Change and Staying Relevant” about? (one of the important ideas in shaping governance)
Forward-looking and make decisions that will benefit the people of Singapore in the future.
Example: While there were concerns about the building of IRs with casinos, Singapore government decided to build so as to stay relevant in the tourism industry. The Government also set up the National Council of Problem Gambling to solve potential impact of problem gambling.
What is “Providing a Stake for Everyone” about? (one of the important ideas in shaping governance)
Every citizen is able to contribute such as through sharing their views about policies and decision-making.
Example: Singaporeans can share their opinions to the government leaders through emails, talk to them at the Meet-The-MP sessions or through the online platforms.
Practicing Meritocracy is one of the important ideas in shaping governance. What is it about?
Meritocracy refers to a fair system where people are rewarded based on their abilities and hard work.
Example: Meritocracy as a system is seen in schools where students are rewarded with Edusave Scholarship and Merit Bursary which are given to students who have done well regardless of their background.
How does the government maintain Internal Order in Singapore?
Internal Security is managed to ensure peace and safety within the country.
Managed by Ministry of Home Affairs, through agencies such as:
- Singapore Police Force
- Singapore Civil Defence Force
- Singapore Prison Service
How does the government maintain External Order in Singapore?
External Security is managed to protect and deter enemies from attacking Singapore.
Managed by Ministry of Defence, through agencies such as:
- Singapore Army
- Republic of Singapore Air Force
- Republic of Singapore Navy
Ministry of Foreign Affairs - concentrate on building good relationships with other countries to build diplomacy.
What are the challenges the government faces in deciding for the good of the society?
Differing Needs and Interests
Differing Priorities
Unequal Sharing of Costs
One of the challenge the government face in deciding what is good for society is ‘Differing Needs and Interests’ - what is this about?
In a society, there are many different groups of people with different interests and they may be at conflict with each other over certain issues.
Example: When the Cross-Island Line was introduced, there are many different responses.
1) Many Singaporeans who take MRT to travel are supportive of it
2) Members of Nature Society are not so supportive of it as it will clear natural areas
3) Some Singaporeans are not supportive as they think the construction of the tracks will bring inconvenience to them.
One of the challenge the government face in deciding what is good for society is ‘Differing Priorities’ - what is this about?
In a society, there are different groups of people with different priorities depending on their social background age.
Example: Different groups have different expectations of what the government should support in:
1) Parents with school-going children will want greater support for education.
2) Young working adults will want greater support for employment.
3) Elderly will want greater support for healthcare.
One of the challenge the government face in deciding what is good for society is ‘Unequal Sharing of Costs’ - what is this about?
Often when a decision is made in a society, some individuals/groups will bear greater costs than others.
Example: In the building of the Cross-Island Line…
- Residents living in the affected area will have to bear with the inconvenience (i.e. dust and noise pollution) in the construction period
- Residents who do not stay near will not bear the cost but be able to enjoy the convenience it brings when construction is done up
What is the meaning of ‘trade off’?
Trade off refers to a situation when a decision is made at the expense of the interests of others.
Example: the decision on whether to allow dine-in or not during the Covid-19 situation
- If no dine-in is allowed, more people will be ensured safety from the Covid-19 virus as there’s less intermingling of people and less chance for spreading of virus
- People are not allowed to dine out and this will cause negative impact on the restuarant/shops who sells food
