Chapter 3 working for the good of society
- 1. How can we work for the good of society?
- 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?