Chapter 3 - How can we work for the good of society? Flashcards
Maintaining internal order
Point:
Maintaining internal order means to keep peace within the country by protecting citizens and their priorities. The government maintains internal order by having agencies such as the police, prisons and civil defence forces to protect citizens and properties.
Example:
Singapore police force protects the country from criminal harm such as theft and assault. They also keep people informed of ongoing scams so that people are more aware and do not fall for those scams.
Explanation & Link:
This helps to ensure that the citizens are safe and protected against possible threats to their lives and properties. The law and order in a country also enables economic activities to be carried out smoothly, which attracts investments and leads to the progress of the country.
Maintaining external order
Point:
The government maintains external security by ensuring Singapore is protected from threats outside of Singapore.
Example:
The Singapore Armed Forces consists of the (Air, Navy and army) that help to defend Singapore from the land, air and sea.
Yet another example would be the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It also engages in diplomacy through strong partnerships with other countries.
Explanation & Link:
With a strong national defence, we can deter potential enemies so it ensures that citizens can lead their lives peacefully and have security. Having good relationships with other countries through diplomacy can reduce the chances of a conflict and allow Singapore to seek help from them in times of need.
Ensuring Justice
Point:
The judiciary interprets, applies the laws of Singapore.
Examples:
The personal protection order can be granted to protect individuals from family violence. This is done to restrict a person from entering a person’s house.
Example & Link:
With a fair justice system, Singaporeans will have confidence that the courts will judge people from seeking their own personal revenge which can result in a disorderly society.
Providing goods and services for the public
Point:
The government provides goods and services to improve the well-being of citizens.
Examples:
The Singapore government has been building more MRT lines such as the Thomson East Coast line and the Cross-Island line to reduce travelling time for the citizens.
Explanation & Link:
Providing these essential goods and services ensures a quality standard of living for the citizens. These goods and services are provided or subsidised by the government so that all citizens can have access to them.
Safeguarding the citizen’s interests
Point:
The government safeguards the interests of citizens especially the interests of vulnerable groups like the Low-waged workers and the elderly.
Examples:
The government introduced the Work Right Initiative to help both employees and employers understand their rights and responsibility. Yet another example is The Central Provident Fund(CPF) which helps Singaporeans prepare for their housing needs, healthcare and retirement. This ensures Singaporeans can afford housing and have enough. Funds for their retirement.
Explanation & Link:
It is important for the government to safeguard citizen’s interests so that they are protected and have a sense of security working and living in Singapore.
Contributing to the need of the society(individuals)
Point:
Individual citizens can contribute through volunteering their time, effort and money, raising awareness for a meaningful cause. They do so because they feel strongly for the cause and they want to offer help.
Evidence:
During the covid-19 outbreak in Singapore, Ms Connie Ng bought more than 500 masks and distributed them for free to people who need them more. Such as families with young children and family members who are ill, doing her part to keep the community safe from the virus.
Explanation & Link:
Contributing to the needs of the society is important for the good of the society because citizens can help other citizens in need and improve their lives.
Contributing to the need of the society(Formal Groups)
Point;
Citizens with common groups can also organise themselves into formal and informal groups to contribute towards the needs of the society. They address the needs of the society of citizens and even communicate with the government.
Evidence:
Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) one example is Nature society(Singapore) which is dedicated to the conservation of nature heritage in Singapore and the surrounding region.
Explanation & Link:
Formal groups help to achieve greater long term goals that may not be fully achievable by the government. They complement the role of the government to improve and meet the needs of society.
Contributing to the need of the society (informal Groups)
Point & Examples:
One example of informal groups is “It’s Raining Raincoats”, a Facebook page set up to spread kindness to migrant workers in Singapore. When one migrant worker was admitted to ICU for COVID-19, the group arranged for a donation for his wife who was 8 months pregnant. Many Singaporeans came forward and donated baby products to help his family.
Explanation & Link:
Informal groups also complement the role of the government by providing immediate help and support to specific groups of people during critical situations. This allows for the need of the society to be met more quickly as they can be formed immediately and provide assistance.
Influencing government decisions (Individuals)
Point:
Singaporeans can provide feedback and suggestions on issues related to governance of Singapore.
Examples:
One example is the Our Singapore conversation (OSC) where citizens share their views and ideas about what matters to singapore. OSC enables conservation among citizens and between the government. The government can learn about what Singaporeans want and help the government to plan for the future.
Explanation & Link:
Influencing government decisions is an important role as citizens will feel that they have a role to play in the country affairs, which will strengthen their sense of belonging in the country. Thus influencing government decisions is an important role of citizens.
Influencing government decisions (Formal & informal groups)
Point:
Non-government organisations(NGOs) help to refine government policies by addressing areas which require more attention.
Examples:
Transient workers count too(TWC2) is dedicated to helping low-wage migrant workers in Singapore. In 2011, they recommended a weekly rest day for foreign domestic workers.
Explanation & Link:
Through the initiatives of TWC2, they helped to improve the working conditions of foreign domestic workers. These organised groups are able to propose suggestions to the government that can benefit different groups of people in society.
Strengthening sense of belonging
Point:
By involving Singaporeans in sharing and discussing about the government’s policies, citizens can develop a stronger sense of attachment towards Singapore.
Examples:
REACH (Reaching Everyone for Active Citizenry Home) is a website in which people can engage with the government and provide their feedback online. Political leaders also have social media accounts on platforms such Facebook and Instagram to communicate with citizens and receive feedback from them.
Explanation & Link:
By giving feedback, citizens are contributing and influencing the lives of others allowing them to feel a sense of belonging towards the country with suggestions from the citizens,the government can improve and refine the policies to better meet the needs and benefit the citizens.
