How can we work for the good of

society?

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.

Before we start, think aboutWhat 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.

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?

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.

1.Role of the Government

1.1 Maintaining internal order and external security1.2 Ensuring justice

1.3 Providing goods and services for the public1.4 Safeguarding the interests of citizens

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

1.4 Safeguarding the interests of citizens

Watch the video to understand how CPF works. Ask your parents about CPF!

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.

Example: 1.4 Safeguarding the interests of citizensHow has the policy contributed to outcomes in society?

● WorkRight Initiative● Helps employees and employers understand their rights and

responsibilitiesIn 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.

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.

2.Role of citizens

2.1 Contributing to the needs of society2.2 Influencing government decisions

2.3 Strengthening citizens’ sense of belonging

2.1 Contributing to the needs of society✘Role of individuals:

Volunteering towards meaningful causesE.g. Volunteers at SPCA, VIA projects

✘Role of organised groups:Citizens organise themselves into groups to contribute

towards needs of societyE.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

2.1 Contributing to the needs of society

Watch this interview with Singaporeans who were behind SG Haze Rescue.

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 attentionE.g. Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics

(HOME) and the Transient Workers Count Too suggested on improving working conditions of foreign domestic workers.

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.

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!

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.

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?