Podcast
Questions and Answers
What significant change was made to the head of government in Singapore as per the 1958 Constitution?
What significant change was made to the head of government in Singapore as per the 1958 Constitution?
Which of the following best describes the internal conditions of the Labour front before the 1959 elections?
Which of the following best describes the internal conditions of the Labour front before the 1959 elections?
What was one of the key strengths of the People's Action Party (PAP) during the 1959 elections?
What was one of the key strengths of the People's Action Party (PAP) during the 1959 elections?
Which issue was shared between the British and the local government as per the provisions of the 1958 Constitution?
Which issue was shared between the British and the local government as per the provisions of the 1958 Constitution?
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What was the electoral outcome for the People's Action Party in the 1959 elections?
What was the electoral outcome for the People's Action Party in the 1959 elections?
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Study Notes
1958 Constitution
- Granted full internal self-government to Singapore, effectively ending British rule.
- Replaced British Ministers with local ministers, with the Prime Minister as Head of Government; Yang di-Pertuan Negara was the head of state.
- Established a Legislative Assembly with 51 elected members, all locally elected with no British nominated members.
- Gave the local government control over all areas except for external defense and affairs, and shared control with the British over internal security.
1959 Elections
- The Labour front was fragmented, appearing disunited and lacking a clear vision.
- The People's Action Party (PAP) presented itself as united and uncorrupted.
- The PAP won a landslide victory, securing 43 out of 51 seats, forming the new government.
- Factors contributing to the PAP's success:
- Strong unity and clear vision.
- Socialist platform focused on improving education and health.
- "Leftist" leaders appealed to a large segment of the population
Lee Kuan Yew
- Became the first Prime Minister of Singapore after the PAP's victory in the 1959 elections.
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Description
Explore the pivotal changes in Singapore's governance with the adoption of the 1958 Constitution, which granted full internal self-government and established a Legislative Assembly. Examine the dynamics of the 1959 elections, where the People's Action Party achieved a significant victory amidst a fragmented opposition. Understand the implications of these events on Singapore's political landscape.