Chapter 3 Flashcards
What are the 4 ways in which the government works for the good of society?
- Maintaining internal order and security
- Ensuring justice
- Providing goods and services for the public
- Safeguarding the interests of citizens
How does the government maintain internal order?
In maintaining internal order, agencies such as the police, prisons and civil defence forces protect citizens, property and whatever society believes should be protected. Social services such as schools and hospitals can exist wit the peace and safety that the government provides.
Give an example of one of the agencies under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) that ensures internal security.
Singapore Police Force (SPF)
SPF’s core function is to protect the people who live in Singapore from crime and all manner of criminal harm. Crime in SPF’s context includes terrorism and public disorder.
How does the government ensure the external security of Singapore?
The government engages agencies such as the army, navy and air force. Through the collaboration between these agencies, Singapore’s defence is strengthened and potential enemies are deterred from attacking Singapore.
How does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) contribute to Singapore’s external security?
MFA contributes to the formulation and implementation of Singapore’s foreign policy to advance our national interests. It does this by forging strong partnerships at the bilateral and multilateral levels and positioning Singapore as a responsible and constructive member of the international community.
Give an example of how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has maintained Singapore’s external security through diplomacy.
When Singapore and Malaysia had different views on who the Pedra Branca belonged to, both countries agreed to solve their differences amicably through a third party by bringing the territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice.
Give an example of how justice is ensured by the Judiciary.
One example of the Judiciary interpreting and applying the laws passed by the Legislature is through providing relevant information and taking action to protect Singaporeans in the event of family violence. The Family Justice Courts provide guidelines on what is defined as family violence, who can apply for a Personal Protection Order (PPO), how to apply as well as the actions that can be taken by the courts. A PPO will be granted if the court is satisfied that family violence has been committed against the applicant, and the PPO is necessary for the applicant’s protection. If the applicant receives the PPO, the court can take action such as to prevent or to restrict a person from entering the applicant’s house or part of the house.
Give an example of how the government has provided goods and services for the public.
An example of a service provided for the public is transportation. In Singapore, the government has worked towards developing a people-centred public transport system, who has amongst others, more connections and better services. Commuter experience has been enhanced in various ways through premium bus services and the MyTransport.SG application, among other services.
Give an example of how the government safeguards the interests of citizens.
The government introduced the WorkRight Initiative to help both employees and employers understand their rights and responsibilities respectively. The WorkRight Initiative is intended to create awareness of employment rights amongst low-wage workers and better ensure retirement security for this group of workers.
What are the outcomes of citizen participation?
Citizens can influence government policies by providing feedback through platforms such as online and offline communication channels. Citizens can also improve outcomes in society by addressing the needs of their fellow citizens or by responding to issues and challenges that they care about. They can do so as individuals or in groups.
As citizens participate more actively in shaping outcomes in society, they become more conscious of how they complement government actions. Their sense of belonging could also strengthen as they feel they have a role to play in the development of the country.
Give an example of how individuals have contributed to the needs of society.
Ms Elisa Ng started the “A Litter at a Time” programme to encourage citizens to go the extra mile and pick up a piece of litter a day.
Give an example of how formal organised groups have contributed to the needs of society.
Formal groups have clear objectives and are formally registered with the government. For example, the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) focuses on catering to the needs of persons with intellectual disability. It helps ensure equal opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities to receive education and later, to be integrated as contributing and responsible citizens in Singapore.
Give an example of how informal organised groups have contributed to the needs of society.
Informal groups are organised with a specific, short term objective related to issues that arise suddenly. These groups are temporarily formed and may not be registered.
For example, Mr Jeremy Chua started a Facebook page called “SG Haze Rescue” asking for people to help and donate their excess masks almost immediately after seeing the Pollutant Standards Index rise to 321 one Wednesday evening in 2013. After receiving a donation of 200 masks, he and a group of ten volunteers spent two hours distributing them in five Housing Board blocks at Toa Payoh Lorong 2.
Give an example of how individuals can influence government decisions.
In 2012, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced a national-level conversation where citizens can come together to share their views and ideas about what matters to Singapore, as well as their hopes and dreams. This citizen engagement exercise became known as “Our Singapore Conversation” (OSC), and this exercise enabled conversations amongst citizens and between citizens and the government. The ideas raised by Singaporeans have helped chart future plans for Singapore.
Give an example of how organised groups can help refine government policies and point to areas which require more attention.
In 2011, two NGOs, the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME) and the Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), put forth their recommendations on improving the working conditions of foreign domestic workers in Singapore. In their report, they recommended that foreign domestic workers be given a day off a week in recognition for the work they do.
