2. In this chapter,
We will be examining the role of the government and the
role of the citizen in working for the good of society.
For this e-Learning lesson, you will be required to use
your chapter worksheets and textbook.
3. Before we start, think about
What does it mean for me to be a
citizen of my country?
Reflect and write down your responses on
page 2 of your lesson worksheets.
4. Some examples of responses:
● It means that my family is here.
● It means that I have rights & responsibilities in this country.
● It means that the government has to look after my needs.
● It means I share the same identity with other Singaporeans.
● It means that I participate in national events.
Please elaborate your answers.
Recall what we have learnt in Chapter 1 about the complex
definition of citizenship. Have you included some keywords in
your reflection?
5. 1.
Role of the Government
Government is given the authority to govern the country.
They make decisions which shape policies and address
needs and interests of society. In doing so, they contribute
towards the good of society and growth of the country.
6. 1.
Role of the Government
1.1 Maintaining internal order and external security
1.2 Ensuring justice
1.3 Providing goods and services for the public
1.4 Safeguarding the interests of citizens
7. 1.1 Maintaining internal order and external security
✘To maintain internal order, agencies such as the police, prisons and
civil defence forces protect citizens, property, etc.
✘Social services such as schools and hospitals can exist with the
peace and safety that the government provides.
✘E.g. Casino Regulatory Authority - Ensures the management and
operation of the casino remains free from criminal influence. They
also contain and control the potential of a casino to cause harm to
minors, vulnerable persons and society at large.
✘Read about other organisations on pages 70-71 of your textbook.
8. 1.1 Maintaining internal order and external security
Visit www.cra.gov.sg to find out more
about their enforcement actions
and how they had contributed in
maintaining internal security in
Singapore.
Visit Forum, Topic 1 to post your
responses.
9. 1.1 Maintaining internal order and external security
✘To ensure external security, the government engages agencies
such as the army, navy and air force.
✘Through collaboration between agencies, Singapore’s defence is
strengthened and potential enemies are deterred from attacking.
✘E.g. Singapore Army - Core function is to deter aggression or to
secure a swift victory should deterrence fail. It is also capable of
conducting a spectrum of operations to defend the security
interests and sovereignty of Singapore.
✘Read about other agencies on pages 72-73 of your textbook.
10. 1.1 Maintaining internal order and external security
Watch the video and think about the importance of Singapore Army.
Visit Forum, Topic 2 to post your responses.
11. 1.2 Ensuring justice
✘With the presence of the Judiciary, Singaporeans will have
confidence that the courts will judge people fairly.
✘E.g. The Judiciary provides relevant information and takes action to
protect Singaporeans in the event of family violence. The Family
Justice Courts provide guidelines on what is defined as family
violence, who can apply for Personal Protection Order, how to apply,
and the actions that can be taken by the courts.
12. 1.3 Providing goods and services for the public
✘Governments devote resources to improve citizens’ well-being.
✘Goods and services are provided for or subsidised by governments
so that all citizens can have access.
✘E.g. Transportation
In Singapore, the government has worked towards developing a
people-centred public transport system which has more
connections and better services
13. 1.3 Providing goods and services for the public
The image on the left shows
the future MRT network in
Singapore. Has the
government met citizens’
transportation needs?
Why or why not?
Visit Forum, Topic 3 to post
your responses.
14. 1.4 Safeguarding the interests of citizens
✘ To ensure that citizens will have a sense of security about living in
the country.
✘Interests can be safeguarded in many ways such as ensuring that
the is no abuse by employers as well as a sense of security in old
age.
✘E.g. WorkRight Initiative - helps both employees and employers
understand their rights and responsibilities.
✘E.g. CPF Life - helping citizens prepare for retirement, enables
Singaporeans to finance their housing and healthcare needs, and
have a source of lifelong insurance in retirement.
15. 1.4 Safeguarding the interests of citizens
Watch the video to understand how CPF works.
Ask your parents about CPF!
16. We have covered the 4 different ways that
the government have worked for the good of
society.
On pages 4-5 of your lesson worksheets,
choose 2 factors to elaborate and fill in your
responses to the 4 questions provided. You
can refer to the textbook, pages 69-80.
17. Example: 1.4 Safeguarding the interests of citizens
How has the policy contributed to outcomes in society?
● WorkRight Initiative
● Helps employees and employers understand their rights and responsibilities
In what ways have these outcomes benefitted society?
● Create awareness of employment rights amongst low-wage workers
● Better ensure retirement security
How can these policies be improved?
● Singapore is evolving, hence the government needs to constantly update policies to
suit the needs of citizens.
● Survey or interview Singaporeans to find out what problems they may be facing at
work.
● Consider setting minimum wage for workers.
How can these improvements help society further?
● Ensure that all opinions are reviewed.
● Helps Singaporeans survive financially.
● Lower income gap and poverty.
18. 2.
Role of citizens
Citizens can influence government policies by providing
feedback. Citizens can also improve outcomes in society by
addressing needs of other citizens or responding to issues
and challenges that they care about. This may also
strengthen their sense of belonging.
19. 2.
Role of citizens
2.1 Contributing to the needs of society
2.2 Influencing government decisions
2.3 Strengthening citizens’ sense of belonging
20. 2.1 Contributing to the needs of society
✘Role of individuals:
Volunteering towards meaningful causes
E.g. Volunteers at SPCA, VIA projects
✘Role of organised groups:
Citizens organise themselves into groups to contribute towards
needs of society
E.g. Formal groups such as non-governmental organisations
(NGOs) and voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) such as
Mercy Relief, MINDS, Nature Society (Singapore)
E.g. Informal groups such as SG Haze Rescue
21. 2.1 Contributing to the needs of society
Watch this interview with Singaporeans who were behind SG Haze
Rescue.
22. 2.2 Influencing government decisions
✘Role of individuals:
E.g. “Our Singapore Conversation” where citizens come together
and share their views and ideas about what matters to
Singapore (www.facebook.com/ourSGconversation)
✘Role of organised groups:
NGOs also help refine government policies and point to areas that
require more attention
E.g. Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME)
and the Transient Workers Count Too suggested on improving
working conditions of foreign domestic workers.
23. 2.3 Strengthening citizens’ sense of belonging
✘ By being involved in the discussion of views related to the future of
Singapore, citizens can develop a stronger sense of attachment
✘Social media has become a powerful platform for citizens to
engage with the government or provide feedback
✘Other channels include REACH (www.reach.gov.sg) and forums or
websites of governments or government agencies.
24. 2.3 Strengthening citizens’ sense of belonging
Do you have any feedback or
suggestions for Singapore’s
policies? Visit the discussion
forum on www.reach.gov.sg to
contribute your opinions!
25. We have covered the 3 different ways that
citizens can contribute towards the good of
society.
On page 9 of your lesson worksheets, reflect
on the role of citizens in working for the good
of society. You can summarise the content
from the slides and add in your opinions.
26. TO SUMMARISE ISSUE 1,
Working for the good of society: Whose responsibility is it?
We have learnt about -
How do we
decide what
is good for
society?
What does it
mean to be
a citizen?
How can we
work for the
good of
society?
