Branches of Government in Singapore
45 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which bill can the assembly debate and vote on?

  • A bill to amend the constitution
  • A vote of no confidence in the government
  • A supply bill (correct)
  • A money bill

    • Who is responsible for appointing the members of the PCMR?

  • The Cabinet
  • The President (correct)
  • The Minister of Law
  • The Parliament

    • What is the minimum age requirement to be a member of the PCMR?

  • 40 years
  • 45 years
  • 30 years
  • 35 years (correct)

    • What is the first stage in the legislative process for a bill?

    <p>First reading</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition does NOT disqualify a person from being a member of the PCMR?

    <p>Being a non-citizen of Singapore</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must happen before a bill becomes an act of parliament?

    <p>It must be approved by Parliament and gazetted.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens during the second reading of a bill?

    <p>The Minister makes a speech about the bill</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who has the authority to declare the position of Prime Minister vacant?

    <p>The President</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the Cabinet in Singapore's government structure?

    <p>To direct state policy and administer the country.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is NOT a qualification criterion for members of the PCMR?

    <p>Has a university degree</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the Prime Minister selected in Singapore?

    <p>Appointed by the President from Parliament members.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of statutory boards in Singapore?

    <p>They operate independently from government ministries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the executive authority in Singapore comprise of?

    <p>The Prime Minister and the Cabinet.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action can Parliament take during an emergency regarding proposed laws?

    <p>Bypass the President's assent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What traditional title was previously held by the President of Singapore?

    <p>Yang di-Pertuan Negara</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What principle emphasizes that no individual is above the law in the context of parliamentary governance?

    <p>Rule of law</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the Regulating Act of 1773 empower the East India Company to do?

    <p>Control civil and military revenues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the cabinet government within a parliamentary system?

    <p>Ministers are typically members of the parliament.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the case of Chng Suan Tze v Minister for Home Affairs highlight about the judiciary's role?

    <p>Judiciary can examine the exercise of discretionary power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a feature of political pluralism in a parliamentary system?

    <p>Coexistence of diverse political parties.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What every parliamentary government system must ensure regarding accountability?

    <p>The government is responsible and accountable to the parliament.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the role of the Supreme Court of Judicature established under the East India Company?

    <p>To administer justice to British subjects under the Company's protection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event marked a significant change in British control over the East India Company in 1784?

    <p>Enactment of Pitt’s Act of India.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is required for the surrender or transfer of Singapore's sovereignty?

    <p>Support from ⅔ of the electorate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What year was the amendment that ensured a minimum representation of opposition members in Parliament passed?

    <p>1984</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many members are included in a Group Representation Constituency (GRC) after the 1997 amendment?

    <p>6</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what circumstance can the government deprive a citizen of their citizenship according to the amendment made in 1985?

    <p>If the citizen has been residing abroad for 10 continuous years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What issue did the Constitutional Commission primarily focus on?

    <p>Protection of minority rights and interests</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What change was made to the common law rule of marriage in Singapore?

    <p>It was expanded to include polygamous marriages for certain communities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary focus of the modifications to personal laws?

    <p>Creating a system that respects indigenous customs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    After the introduction of the Penal Code in 1872, what changes occurred in criminal law?

    <p>No further modifications were made based on local customs and religion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did the imperial parliament at Westminster play in Singapore from 1824 to 1963?

    <p>It enacted laws that had to be adhered to in Singapore.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What led to legal chaos in Singapore between 1827 and 1832?

    <p>The absence of a legally entitled individual to administer justice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was responsible for changing roles from governor to commissioner during the reorganisation?

    <p>Robert Fullerton.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following acts was enacted by the imperial parliament for Singapore?

    <p>Copyright Act 1911.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Article 162 of the Constitution ensure?

    <p>Existing laws continue to be effective after independence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant outcome of the legal reorganisation in Singapore in the early 1830s?

    <p>The closure of the courts due to lack of authority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the role of Sir Benson Maxwell in relation to English Law in the Straits Settlements?

    <p>He interpreted it as subject to local modifications.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the Privy Council rule in the case of Penhas v Tan Soo Eng?

    <p>A common law marriage between a Chinese and a Jew was valid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant change occurred on April 1, 1867, in the Straits Settlements?

    <p>The Legislative Council became a fully nominated body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which court replaced the Court of Judicature of Straits Settlements in 1868?

    <p>Supreme Court of Straits Settlements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary purpose of the Executive Council established in 1877?

    <p>To advise the governor on important affairs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the outcome of the abolition of the ETC in 1866 for the Straits Settlements?

    <p>Separation from the Government of India.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was included in the composition of the Legislative Council established in 1867?

    <p>The Governor, chief justice, and unofficial Europeans.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What change happened to judges in the Straits Settlements after the establishment of the Supreme Court in 1868?

    <p>The Governor and Resident Councillors ceased to be judges.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Branches of Government

    • Parliament is the primary decision-making body in Singapore
    • Representative democracy means individuals are elected to represent the people, and laws should reflect the people's will
    • Ordinary MPs lack the resources and time to draft bills
    • Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs) have equal voting rights as MPs
    • The number of NCMPs is capped at 12, but currently there are 9
    • Parliamentary elections determine NCMPs, who act as opposition members
    • In 2016, Article 38 of the constitution was amended, giving NCMPs equal voting power to elected MPs. This is consistent with NCMPs having the same mandate as constituency MPs
    • Non-Parliamentary Members (NMPs) are independent
    • NMPs are appointed for 2.5 years by a special committee including members of parliament
    • NMPs are expected to ensure greater diversity and contribute independent views, promoting wider interests
    • The maximum number of NMPs is 9
    • NMPs can debate and vote on all issues excluding bills to amend the constitution, supply bills, money bills, votes of no confidence in the government, removal of the president

    How Bills are Made

    • Ministries identify gaps in existing laws and propose new legislation
    • The cabinet approves the bill in principle, and details are developed by permanent secretaries
    • The Attorney-General (AGC) drafts the bill, which is then reviewed by the Ministry of Law before being read in Parliament
    • The first reading involves the bill's title
    • The second reading features a minister's speech explaining the bill, followed by debate amongst MPs
    • Any clauses can be amended during committee sessions
    • The third reading involves final approval of the bill, with any remaining amendments
    • The bill is sent to the President for final approval. Once approved, the bill becomes an Act of Parliament and published.
    • Parliament can bypass the President's approval in emergency situations

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Week 2: Development of Singapore's Legal and Constitutional System PDF

    Description

    Explore the structure and functions of the government in Singapore, focusing on the roles of Parliament, MPs, NCMPs, and NMPs. This quiz covers key concepts such as representation, decision-making, and constitutional amendments that shape the political landscape. Test your knowledge about the various branches and their responsibilities.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser