Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the term length for the President of Singapore?
What is the term length for the President of Singapore?
- 6 years (correct)
- 5 years
- 7 years
- 4 years
Who elects the President of Singapore?
Who elects the President of Singapore?
- The Cabinet
- The Parliament
- The citizens (correct)
- An electoral college
Which communities are eligible for a reserved presidential election?
Which communities are eligible for a reserved presidential election?
- Chinese, Malay, or Indian or other minorities (correct)
- All ethnic communities
- Only the Malay community
- Any community at random
What is one of the primary responsibilities of the President of Singapore?
What is one of the primary responsibilities of the President of Singapore?
In which situation can the President of Singapore act at his discretion?
In which situation can the President of Singapore act at his discretion?
What does the Constitution of Singapore consider as the supreme law?
What does the Constitution of Singapore consider as the supreme law?
How does the President typically perform his or her powers and functions?
How does the President typically perform his or her powers and functions?
What is required for a presidential candidate besides the service requirement?
What is required for a presidential candidate besides the service requirement?
What is one of the powers of a Town Council?
What is one of the powers of a Town Council?
Who leads a Community Development Council (CDC)?
Who leads a Community Development Council (CDC)?
What is the primary function of Community Development Councils?
What is the primary function of Community Development Councils?
What are subsidiary legislations?
What are subsidiary legislations?
If subsidiary legislation does not comply with the parent Act, what is its status?
If subsidiary legislation does not comply with the parent Act, what is its status?
What role does the Leader of the Opposition fulfill in addition to parliamentary duties?
What role does the Leader of the Opposition fulfill in addition to parliamentary duties?
Which statement about Members of Parliament is correct?
Which statement about Members of Parliament is correct?
What proportion of votes is required in a national referendum to amend constitutional provisions regarding the sovereignty of Singapore?
What proportion of votes is required in a national referendum to amend constitutional provisions regarding the sovereignty of Singapore?
What happens when the office of the Speaker of Parliament is vacant?
What happens when the office of the Speaker of Parliament is vacant?
What is the purpose of Government Parliamentary Committees (GPCs)?
What is the purpose of Government Parliamentary Committees (GPCs)?
In the case of an equally divided vote among Members of Parliament, what happens to the motion?
In the case of an equally divided vote among Members of Parliament, what happens to the motion?
What is one feature of the Government Parliamentary Committees (GPCs) that distinguishes them in Singapore?
What is one feature of the Government Parliamentary Committees (GPCs) that distinguishes them in Singapore?
What is the function of the Presidential Council for Minority Rights (PCMR)?
What is the function of the Presidential Council for Minority Rights (PCMR)?
Who presides over each sitting of Parliament?
Who presides over each sitting of Parliament?
Which body holds the judicial power of Singapore?
Which body holds the judicial power of Singapore?
What does the term 'judicial power' encompass?
What does the term 'judicial power' encompass?
What do Standing Orders regulate in Parliament?
What do Standing Orders regulate in Parliament?
What do Resource Panels associated with GPCs primarily consist of?
What do Resource Panels associated with GPCs primarily consist of?
In which scenario is a two-thirds majority required to override the PCMR's report?
In which scenario is a two-thirds majority required to override the PCMR's report?
What does the judicial function primarily rely on according to the High Court's observations?
What does the judicial function primarily rely on according to the High Court's observations?
What is the etymological origin of the word 'court'?
What is the etymological origin of the word 'court'?
What is described as a critical aspect of the relationship between ministers and senior civil servants?
What is described as a critical aspect of the relationship between ministers and senior civil servants?
Which type of public service relationship involves the public service acting as an extension of elected politicians?
Which type of public service relationship involves the public service acting as an extension of elected politicians?
What can occur when elected politicians have inadequate expertise in specific matters?
What can occur when elected politicians have inadequate expertise in specific matters?
What might happen if poor political leadership exists alongside a capable civil service?
What might happen if poor political leadership exists alongside a capable civil service?
In what type of relationship does the public service operate independently of elected politicians?
In what type of relationship does the public service operate independently of elected politicians?
What may occur when the public service fails to assist or implement decisions of political leaders?
What may occur when the public service fails to assist or implement decisions of political leaders?
What is a potential consequence of having both good politicians and a poorly functioning civil service?
What is a potential consequence of having both good politicians and a poorly functioning civil service?
Which statement reflects a misconception about the relationship dynamics between public service and elected officials?
Which statement reflects a misconception about the relationship dynamics between public service and elected officials?
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Study Notes
The President of Singapore
- Head of State elected by citizens for a 6-year term.
- Elections are community-reserved based on diversity: Chinese, Malay, or Indian/other minorities.
- Candidates must meet public or private sector service requirements.
- Responsibilities include safeguarding Singapore’s reserves and the integrity of public services.
- Generally acts on Cabinet advice, mirroring the UK monarchy's ceremonial role.
- Holds discretionary powers in specific appointments for key government positions.
Parliament Structure
- Members of Parliament (MPs) can engage in commercial enterprises but cannot hold full-time public service positions.
- The Speaker of Parliament is elected by Parliament and presides over sessions.
- Government Parliamentary Committees (GPCs) monitor ministerial policies, consisting only of ruling party MPs.
- GPCs aim to enhance MP involvement, provide diverse perspectives, and feedback on public interest matters.
Legislative Process
- Two-thirds majority required for constitutional amendments regarding sovereignty.
- Other amendments need a simple majority vote.
- The Presidential Council for Minority Rights (PCMR) oversees legislation to prevent racial or religious discrimination.
- A bill requires PCMR’s approval before proceeding to presidential assent to become law.
Judiciary
- Comprises the Supreme Court and subordinate courts, responsible for adjudicating legal disputes and administering justice.
- Judicial functions include interpreting laws and checking legislative and executive actions for legality.
- Courts operate based on existing controversies between state and individuals or among individuals.
Public Service Relationships
- Various types of relationships exist between public servants and elected politicians, influencing policy implementation.
- Partnership and mutual respect are emphasized for effective governance.
- Types include:
- Public Service implementing politicians’ policies.
- Public Service independence from politicians.
- Public Service influencing politicians due to expertise gaps.
- Instances of Public Service failing to execute policies.
Community Development Councils (CDCs)
- Established under the People's Association, with one CDC per district in Singapore.
- CDCs promote community bonding, manage projects, and administer government aid for residents.
Subsidiary Legislation
- Supplemental laws made by designated individuals or bodies empowered by the Legislature.
- Must comply with parent Acts of Parliament, as failure leads to being considered ultra vires (beyond power).
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