RI T3W3 The Singapore Government 2021

Singapore’s Government•(Read pg. 44–56 of the SS Textbook)•Three main branches (organs of state)•The Legislature: Parliament + President•The Executive: PM + Cabinet •The Judiciary: Supreme + Subordinate Courts

The StateMilitaryand Bureaucracy(comprising law enforcement and other public services eg.healthcare) governmentLegislature& Judiciary(law-making body and the courts) GovernmentExecutive(decision-making body)

The Singapore Government Explained Part I –The 3 Branches

The Parliament of Singapore•Makes laws by debating and approving Bills•Approves Government budget during Committee of Supply debate and approval of Supply Bill•Serves as a check on Government by questioning Ministers

The Parliament of Singapore•Based on Westminster system•Unicameral (one house) •Comprises elected Members of Parliament(MPs), NCMPs, & NMPs•Total 104 seats •Maximum term of 5 years (currently 14th Parliament)

The Parliament of Singapore•Non-Constituent Member of Parliament•Scheme introduced in 1984 to ensure Opposition representation in Parliament •Up to 12 NCMPs (since 2016 amendment) from “best losers” Opposition candidates•Does not represent any constituency•Have equal voting rights as elected MPs (since 2016 amendment)•Two NCMPs from nominated after 2020 GE (with WP winning 10 seats in 2 GRCs): Hazel Poa & Leong Mun Wai from PSP

The Parliament of Singapore•Nominated Member of Parliament•Scheme introduced in 1989 to ensure wider representation of independent and non-partisan views in Parliament •Up to nine NMPs appointed by the President (after selection by Special Select Committee) within six months of a new Parliament meeting •Serve fixed term of 2.5 years, represent no constituency•Entitled to vote on all matters except Supply Bills, Money Bills, Constitutional amendments, motions of no confidence and motions on removal of President

The Singapore Government Explained Part II –How Laws Are Made

The President•Became elected presidency in 1991 with constitutional roles on top of ceremonial roles•Safeguard reserves with veto power over any budget or transaction that draws on Past Reserves•Ensures impartiality of public sector and govt. companies with veto of appointments of key personnel •Protect minority rightswithPresident’s assent to bills that pass Presidential Council for Minority Rights•Represent Singapore as ceremonial Head of State

The Cabinet•Responsible for day-to-day administration of the affairs of state•Collectivelyheld accountable by Parliament•Comprises the Prime Minister (PM), Deputy PMs, and ministers in charge of the 16 ministries (textbk. pg. 52-53)•President appoints PM, who then appoints Cabinet members from among elected MPs