(Issue 1) Chapter 1: What does it mean to be a citizen of my country?

Question 1

Citizenship shaped by legal status (enjoying rights provided by the law)

Answer 1

• Granted basic rights include freedom of speech and religion, and access to education
• Protects the rights of the minority
• Eg. Presidential Council of Minority Rights (PCMR) -> scrutinise most of the bills passed by the government to ensure that they do not discriminate against any racial or religious community

Question 2

Citizenship shaped by legal status (fulfilling responsibilities)

Answer 2

• must be responsible in practising the values of respect and consideration while exercising these rights
• if not, can lead to conflict
• Eg. maintaining harmony is the key responsibility of all citizens, everyone expected to contribute towards peace and prosperity of the nation by ensuring that they exercise their freedom of speech in a responsible manner

Question 3

Citizenship shaped by identity

Answer 3

• Sense of identity comes from a shared belief that we belong to the same country
• Common practises, common experiences allow bonding
• Eg. a common language, Singlish. when we hear people speaking singlish overseas, we can immediately identify them as Singaporeans
• Eg. singing of national anthem, taking the national pledge and attending flag raising ceremonies in school
• Fosters national identity, inculcate loyalty and national pride towards Singapore. SGreans see themselves as one people

Question 4

Citizenship shaped by Participation

Answer 4

• actively participating in events that improve the lives of others in society
• Participation allows individuals to contribute to the society, making them feel that they are contributing to the progress of the country
• Eg. Mr Benny Se Teo, set up the food chain, Eighteen Chefs, employing ex-offenders and youths at risk for his food chain
  -> he is helping to provide hope for people who have done wrong in the eyes of the law previously to turn over a new leaf
• Contributions help develop affinity towards Singapore, making them feel that they are valued members of SG
• sense of belonging, have stake in the progress and development of society