Key Content:
Competing needs and interests – managing trade-offs
Functions of government – rule making, rule execution and rule adjudication
CHALLENGES IN DECIDING WHAT IS GOOD FOR SOCIETY
Challenges often arise when we are deciding good for society because due to the fact that individuals have different needs and interests, and priorities, and that individuals may bear the unequal sharing of costs.
DIFFERING NEEDS AND INTERESTS
A diverse population may not be able to agree on common interests.
Society only has limited resources, impossible to meet everyone’s needs and interests to be met fully.
Government needs to make decisions for the good of society/ the majority.
DIFFERING PRIORITIES
Citizens may disagree on which area the government should prioritize eg. Healthcare, Housing, Education.
Depending on the needs and situation of each family/individual
UNEQUAL SHARING OF COSTS
When a decision is made, some individuals or groups will bear greater costs than others.
E.g. Building an expressway will smooth traffic flow and increase connectivity, but residents living near expressways may be affected by noise pollution from traffic.
NIMBY (not in my backyard) syndrome.
Situation is difficult in Singapore due to limited land and resources – cannot be avoided.
TRADE-OFFS & WHO MANAGES THEM?
UNDERSTANDING TRADE-OFFS
It is the government's role to take all the conflicting demands into consideration and decide what is good for the society.
The government has to manage the needs and interests of the country based on the limited resources we have available. They government must be ready to make trade-offs.
A trade-off is a situation in which we must choose between two things that cannot be had at the same time.
E.g. Land used to develop housing cannot be used to build a school.
The government needs to balance the costs of trade-offs with what it chooses to spend its resources on.
What is a government?
A government is a political organisation that governs a community or unit. It sets and administers public policy and exercises executive, political and sovereign power through customs, institutions, and laws within a state or country.
Singapore practices representative democracy where Singapore citizens elect their leaders to represent them.
Elections are held once every five years, and the elected leaders will serve as Members of Parliament (MPs) for their constituencies.
Organs of State
The government makes decisions through the organs of state. The organs of state are the - Legislature (rule making), the Executive (rule implementation) and the Judiciary (rule interpretation).
The three functions of government (rule-making, rule implementation and rule interpretation) allow for decision making to take place for the good of society.
LEGISLATURE
Consists of the president and the parliament.
Main responsibility is to pass laws for Singapore. President’s agreement is required for all Bills passed by parliament.
Meet to discuss important national issues and make laws.
EXECUTIVE
Comprises the Cabinet, led by the prime minister and includes the deputy prime ministers and other ministers.
Responsible for all government policies and administration of the affairs of the state.
Duties carried out via Ministries, which are responsible for forming and implementing government policies in areas such as housing, healthcare, transport and education.
JUDICIARY
Consists of the Supreme Court, the state courts and the family justice courts.
Laws made by the legislature are interpreted and applied by the judiciary.
Ensures that laws are justly carried out according to the constuition.
Take note: Decision making is not done by one man or the executive alone. The Executive needs the Legislature to approve their decisions; the Executive also needs to ensure that the decisions are made within the laws of the country. The three functions of government work hand-in-hand to ensure that decision making is made for the good of the country.
(1) HAVING GOOD LEADERSHIP
Leaders must have the moral courage and integrity to do what is right, including making decisions that may not be popular with the people.
Incorruptible leaders will make decisions for the good of the society rather than for personal interests. They must be honest and capable to ensure the progress of the country.
E.g. In Singapore, leaders will be removed from their positions of power if they are found inefficient or lacking in integrity. They will also be brought to justice if they have broken any laws.
Having good leadership ensures a strong leadership to steer Singapore in the right direction of economic prosperity and growth as good leaders will make right decisions for the benefit of country and people and not based on self interest
This will take the country to greater heights by making sound decisions that are more likely to address the needs of people/nation’s best interest
When the country's needs are addressed, citizens are more assured and become more confident in their leaders
Making wise choices and confidence towards country – stability of government and country so that people can walk together as one
(2) ANTICIPATING CHANGE AND STAYING RELEVANT
Government needs to manage trade-offs and remain forward looking and make decisions that will benefit people of Singapore in the future.
Seeking potential economic benefits such as job opportunities and higher tourist spending that can benefit Singapore and help us stay ahead of time.
Staying competitive and ahead of others is essential to build and sustain a thriving economy that meets the future and challenges of people
E.G. Case Study of the Integrated Resorts
The Singapore Government tried to anticipate change and stay relevant in our tourism landscape by pursuing the Integrated Resorts projects with the foresight of potential economic benefits such as job opportunities and increased tourist spending
Government remains aware of social consequences but took measures to lessen the potential impact of gambling. Measures of public education on the dangers of gambling and counselling for problem gamblers was put in place.
(3) PROVIDING A STAKE FOR EVERYONE
Giving citizens a say in decision making imbues a greater sense of belonging in citizens
Having a say in decision making can develop a greater sense of belonging in citizens. They will feel that they have a stake in Singapore’s future and be more willing to be involved in working towards the good of the society.
Opportunities have been created to encourage citizens to share their views about policies and decision making
E.g. Our Singapore Conversation– share views, hopes and dreams about Singapore.
Citizens are assured that they are important as their views and concerns are considered by the government before making an important decision
Ensures that people will feel valued and this establishes a strong affinity to the country
Makes it more likely for citizens to get involved and work alongside government initiatives, contributing to the society they love and have a stake in.
Another way to strengthen a sense of belonging is through home ownership.
The public housing scheme enables Singaporeans to own their own homes through provision of housing grants.
(4) PRACTISING MERITOCRACY
Meritocracy is the system that distributes opportunities to the most capable and contributing members of society in order to enable future successes.
People are rewarded based on the effort they put in rather than other factors such as race, religion or socio-economic background. This encourages them to work hard.
This helps people gain confidence in the government as there is no unfair treatment since reward is commensurate with effort one puts in.
People will then be encouraged to contribute to society and help those in need
E.g. Students who perform well in studies are rewarded the Edusave Scholarship.
Compassionate meritocracy encourages citizens to contribute to society, particularly to those who may not have access to the same opportunities.
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