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Chpt 2: What are the functions and roles of government in working for the…
Chpt 2: What are the functions and roles of government in working for the good of society?
Functions of government
Legislature
: makes and passes law
Composition: President and Parliament
entails: passing a bill which is a draft debated in Parliament and which must receive the President's agreement to become part of the law in Singapore.
E.g. On April 2020, the Singapore government urgently passed the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act that made the wearing of masks compulsory by law.
Judiciary
: interprets and applies laws
Composition: Supreme Court and State Courts and Family Justice Courts
Makes formal judgement on disputes between individuals & between individuals and government
E.g. In 2020, a women was caught on video arguing with a passer-by who had told her to wear a mask and abide by the law.
On 7 May 2021, she was sentenced to 2 weeks' jail and fined $2000.
Executive
: implements and enforces laws
Composition: President and Cabinet
Formulates and implements government policies
Responsible for the day-to-day administration of the affairs of the state
E.g. First-time offenders are fined $300 while repeat offenders are fined $1000. (COVID-19)
Thousands of Safe Distancing Ambassadors (SDAs) were deployed
Roles of government
Maintains law and order
such that:
people obey the law and behave in an organised and peaceful way
governments preserve safety and security, and ensure justice in society
E.g. The police engaging students to fight scams. Consistent and rigorous police enforcement builds awareness that disobeying the law will not be tolerated. This helps deter potential crimes.
In SG, the Courts and law enforcement agencies that investigate crimes seek to ensure that justice is served in every case. Everyone, including government, is equal before the law.
E.g. A former civil servant from the Corrupt Practice Investigation Bureau was convicted for misusing money entrusted to his care. Jailed 10 years.
Ensures the
economic and social well-being of citizens
: situation whereby an individual not only has his/her basic needs for food, water and shelter met, but also has the opportunity to pursue his/her goals and enjoy a satisfactory quality of life.
Polyclinics located throughout Singapore are one-stop healthcare centres that provide subsidised primary care. Services include outpatient medical treatment & diagnostic tests.
Central Provident Fund (CPF) is a comprehensive savings plan that provides a foundation for the retirement of most Singaporeans.
can also be used to buy a
home
,
pay for healthcare expenses
and
take care of loved ones
SkillsFuture
is a national movement to provide Singaporeans with the opportunities to develop their fullest potential throughout life, regardless of their starting points, through skills mastery & lifelong learning
Skills-focused courses
Work-study programmes for students to get a head start in the workforce
A subsidy of at least 90% for eligible courses (MOE funded courses for Singaporeans aged 40 and above)
Promotes and protects a country's national interests
:
ensure security and well-being
influence the objectives of the country's national policy.
Through
diplomacy
: obtaining agreement between countries to cooperate in order to produce results that align with their interests.
promote common interests
resolve conflicting interests in a peaceful manner
E.g. Singapore maintains strong bilateral relations with Malaysia.
the 1962 water agreement
Multilateral relationships:
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
deepen economic cooperation in Asia-Pacific region