Roles and Functions of Government

Question 1

Provide one example of how government makes and passes laws

Answer 1

• During Covid-19, the Temporary Measures Act was put in place to make the wearing of masks compulsory in public places. The masks must cover over the individual’s nose and mouth, applicable to all above 2 years
• Ensures the safety of the general public. By ensuring that masks are worn, health of citizens are protected, as transmissions will be kept low, keeping the number of Covid infections low.

Question 2

Provide one example of how government implements and enforces law

Answer 2

• Agencies were responsible for ensuring the Temporary Measures Covid Act. Individuals who were not wearing their masks can be issued fines of $300, and repeated offenders up to $1000.
• By having agencies enforce the Act, it ensures that the law will not be taken lightly, and citizens will do their best to uphold the law in order to protect the country from the Covid pandemic.

Question 3

Provide one example of how government interpret and apply law

Answer 3

• In 2020, a woman was caught on video arguing with a passer-by who had told her to wear her mask in public. On 7 May 2021, she was sentenced to two weeks’ jail and fined $2000 for failing to wear her mask as well as being a public nuisance by the courts.
• When the courts apply the laws to citizens, it ensures that people are treated fairly according to how they conduct themselves. The application of laws also serve to deter other citizens from breaking the law in order to protect the general population

Question 4

Provide one example of how government maintains law and order through ensuring safety and security

Answer 4

• The Singapore Police Force aims to prevent, deter and detect crime. For instance, they patrol along public streets and transportation such as MRT stations to ensure that there are no suspicious people around.
• The SPF will be able to attend to any immediate threats such as suspicious individuals and items before harm can befall citizens. By patrolling around, it deters people from wanting to commit criminal acts such as robbery, keeping the citizens safe on a daily basis.

Question 5

Provide one example of how government maintains law and order through ensuring justice.

Answer 5

• In 2013, a former civil servant from the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau was sent to jail for 10 years for misusing money that was entrusted to his care.
• By ensuring justice, citizens will have confidence that people will be treated fairly by the government, regardless of social standing, and no corrupt practices will go unnoticed. This deters unlawful behaviour and ensures order in society.

Question 6

Provide one example of how government ensures the economic and social well-being of citizens

Answer 6

• Our transport system of trains, buses and highways provides convenient and fast ways to connect places. The government continually upgrades these resources so that they provide greater accessibility for citizens. One example is the latest Thompson-East coast line, which connects Woodlands to Orchard in 24 minutes
• Ensures that citizens have affordable transport that takes them to places conveniently, and within a short period of time. It ensures that they do not need to overspend on private transport, and spending costs are kept lower for individuals.

Question 7

Provide one example of how government Promotes and protects a country’s national interest through diplomacy

Answer 7

• Singapore is a member in ASEAN, establishing partnerships with countries in the region. One way is through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, a trade agreement that expands trade and investments in the region, as well as create more employment for citizens in these regions. Businesses have grown because the agreement removes tariffs for about 90% of goods
• Companies in ASEAN can lower their business costs, and hence spend money improving and growing their businesses. The diplomatic relationships enable countries to help one another expand, and build relationships within countries, where all parties can grow together.

Question 8

Provide one example of how government promotes and protects a country’s national interest through deterrence

Answer 8

• The Singapore Armed Forces developed the unmanned aerial vehicles to help with aerial surveillance and coordinated strikes. These can be deployed quickly to scan areas to help commanders understand the situation and make decisions to better protect the country.
• The developed technologies can help keep aggressors at bay, as they know that Singapore has the capability to fight back and protect herself, and will not be easily defeated. This strengthens Singapore’s defences to protect the nation and its citizens from any external security threats.