Currated SS Notes

Chapter 1 Shaping citizenship

Different attributes shaping citizenship Legal status ● Legal status is given either by birth , marriage , descent or naturalisation . ● One with legal status makes them a lawful member of the country , giving them rights and responsibilities. ● The constitution specifies the rights of citizens , which helps to protect the well-being of its citizens. ● Rights (privileges), under the Singapore Constitution, include freedom of speech, assembly and association (Article 14). ● Citizens must also obey the laws of the country. ● Singapore laws include the obligation of national service and not to discriminate against others. ● People with legal status are protected by the country , making them feel safe and appreciated, forming a sense of belonging to Singapore. ● Thus shaping citizenship. Sense of identity ● Sense of identity is a shared belief we come from the same country. ● Common practices and experiences forms the National identity. ● Common practices include saying the national pledge and singing the national anthem. ● Common experiences include celebrating National Day. ● People with a common sense of identity better associate with one another, creating stronger social bonds. ● A sense of identity makes one feel more involved in the country's affairs, creating a sense of belonging . ● Thus shaping citizenship. Shared values ● Shared values are the principles and beliefs that are embraced and significant to a group of people. ● Our values affect our judgement and decisions, as well as influence our attitude. ● In 2018, Japanese football fans cleared litter at the end of a football match between Japan and Colombia during the Russia FIFA World Cup. ● This decision stems from the Japanese’s value of cleanliness. ● A common set of values can affect how a group of people behave and act. ● Thus shaping citizenship.

Civic participation ● Civic participation refers to citizens participating in public affairs that they are concerned about. ● In 2020, Mr Andy Teo initiated Temporary Academic Assistance, which got the help of volunteer tutors to teach students during the COVID-19 lockdown period. ● Mr Nigel Teo and his friends founded GoodHood.SG, which aimed to promote neighbourliness. ● The application allowed neighbours to offer help to one another , providing mutual assistance. ● Participating in public affairs allows people to feel a sense of connection with other Singaporeans , creating and strengthening a sense of belonging, ownership and commitment. ● Thus shaping citizenship.

Chapter 2 GOV

Functions and Roles of Government in Working for the Good of Society How the different government functions work for the good of society 1. Legislature - The legislature consists of the President and Parliament, and is responsible for making and passing laws for Singapore. - The legislature holds debates and discussions on issues of national concern before proposing and passing laws to address these issues. - For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Parliament passed the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act and related legislation to help manage the public health crisis. - Regulations such as mandatory mask-wearing were introduced to reduce the spread of the virus. - This helped to protect public health and ensure the safety of citizens. - Therefore, the legislature contributes to the good of society by creating laws that address the needs and challenges faced by Singapore. 2. Executive - The executive consists of the President and the Cabinet, and is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws passed by the legislature. - For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the executive enforced regulations under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act through agencies such as the Singapore Police Force and the National Environment Agency. - Officers could issue notices of offence and fines to individuals who violated these regulations. - This ensures that laws are effectively carried out and achieve their intended purpose. - As a result, public order, safety, and well-being are maintained. - Therefore, the executive contributes to the good of society by enforcing Singapore's laws and ensuring that they are followed. 3. Judiciary - The judiciary consists of the Supreme Court, the State Courts, and the Family Justice Courts, and is responsible for interpreting and applying Singapore's laws independently and fairly. - For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals who violated regulations under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act could be brought before the courts. - The judiciary would hear the case , determine whether the accused had broken the law , and impose an appropriate sentence if found guilty.

- This ensures that laws are applied fairly and consistently to everyone , regardless of their status. - It also upholds justice and deters people from committing offences. - Therefore, the judiciary contributes to the good of society by upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served. In conclusion, all three branches of the government play an important and complementary roles in Singapore. The legislature makes laws, the executive implements and enforces those laws, and the judiciary interprets and applies those laws fairly. By working together, they ensure that the laws are effective, justice is upheld and citizens are protected. This contributes to a fair, safe, and stable society for everyone. Roles of the government 1. Maintaining law and order - One of the duties of the government is to maintain law and order. - This ensures safety, security and justice in society. - For example, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) protects Singapore from crime, terrorism and public disorder , helping to maintain a safe environment for citizens. - - In addition, the judiciary system ensures that everyone is subject to the law regardless of status. - For instance, a former CPIB assistant director was sentenced to a 10-year jail term for misusing entrusted funds. This shows that no one is above the law. - Therefore, by maintaining law and order, the government protects citizens and upholds justice. - As a resul