Chapter 1 and 3 : Guiding Questions

Chapter 1)What does it mean for me to be a citizen of my country?

Attributes shaping citizenship
Legal Status
A sense of identity
Participation of public affairs
Chapter 3) How can we work for the good of society?
Role of government in working for the good of society
maintaining internal order and external security
Ensuring Justice
Providing Goods and Services for the public
Safeguarding interests of citizens
Role of citizens in working for the good of society
~ Avenues of Citizens Participation ~
Channels of communication between citizens and government
Individual participation
Organized groups
~ Outcomes of public participation ~
Contributing to the needs of the society
Influencing government decisions
Strengthening citizens sense of belonging
 Chapter 1
1) Different attributes shaping Citizenship
Citizenship shaped by Legal Status
Singapore allows for citizenship by descent, marriage or through naturalization process. However,
individuals need to gain permanent resident status(PR) before applying for citizenship through marriage
or naturalization.
Descent > In order to gain citizenship by descent, a child requires at least one parent to be a citizen of
that particular country.
Country of Birth > Some countries grant citizenship to those who were born in the country.
Marriage > In most countries , citizenship can be attained by marrying a citizen of that country (US)
Naturalization > Most Countries grant citizenship to those who have immigrated to that country, resided
there for a number of years stated and registered themselves as citizens. They will have to go through a
process of lessons/tests and eventually , may have to give up their original citizenship.
Citizenship in a democracy
In a democracy(the rule of the people), citizens get to elect their leaders and thus, governments do not
have unlimited power to make decisions .They have to act according to the laws of the country.
Rights of Citizens
Stated in Constitution of Singapore (protected by law). It states that the three branches of government
(Legislative, Executive and Judiciary) and limits the authority of the government by separating their
powers. It also states the basic rights of citizen ( freedom of speech and religion). It also protects the rights
of the minorities, by preventing the majority race from passing any discriminative laws. However, citizens
should also consider the sensitivity and safety of others when exercising their rights.
Responsibilities as Citizens
All citizens have responsibilities such as abiding by the laws of the country and not discriminate against
other races/ religion. Citizens are also expected to serve National Service and contribute to the national
security of Singapore. All citizens are also expected to contribute peace and prosperity to the nation.
Citizenship shaped by a Sense of Identity and participation in public affairs
Citizens may also feel a sense of belonging to the country and this identity creates
the desire to be involved in the affairs of the country and make it a better place to
live in. A sense of national identity comes from a shared belief that we belong to
the same country. Thus , citizens may share a common way of life and feel
strongly about similar things.
For e.g. > Common practices Singing National Anthem and Reciting the
National Pledge.
A sense of National Identity can be also achieved through certain aspects of the
Singapore Lifestyles. Being recognized as a food haven sets us apart from the
other countries . We are also well known for wide variety of food sold here. Due
to our multicultural society , we have different varieties of food from different
countries.
The image of a green city is also one example that sets us apart from the
others.
People also get a sense of citizenship through participating in public activities or
helping fellow citizens. They can contribute towards betterment of society either
as individuals or as groups (explored in later chapters). For example ,
volunteering their time in the elderly home or orphanage.
Role of Government in Society
Internal Security > Safeguard peace and safety of the country.
External Security > defence of the country (MINDEF and SAF)
Maintain Internal Order and External Security
Singapore uses the policy of defence and deterrence, so as to keep our country strong and deter others from attacking us.
E.g.(MINDEF and SAF) creates a large and well trained citizen army that can defend Singapore. NS men have to undergo
National Service at the age of 18. They are trained NS men has to go undergo National Service at the age of 18. They are
trained to handle weapons and learn war tactics, to be operationally ready.
2.Ensuring Justice
Upholds the rule of the law. Law courts are formed and cases are heard and settles in a fair and rational manner according
to the law of Singapore. Fair Judicial System. E.g. The Court introduced Legislation to deal with family violence. Personal
Protection Order (PPO) was introduced to protect victims from domestic or family violence.
3.Providing goods and services for the public
Ensures the well being of the citizens. Citizens enjoy benefits from the provision of good and services for the public. This
goods and services are provided for or subsidized by governments so that all citizens can have access to them. E.g Ministry
of Transport ensures the efficient and effective transportation system. Keep and Maintain cost of public transport low and
affordable.
4.Safeguarding Intrests of Citizens
Protects the interests of citizens to give them a sense of security about living in the country. They do this by introducing
Laws and Legislations. E.g. Workright Initiatives employment laws help to both employers and employees to understand the
rights and responsibilities, so as to make sure that workers are not abused or exploited by employers.
5. Diplomacy
E.g. Ministry of Foreign Affairs . Singapore maintains strong bilateral and multilateral relationships with other countries. E.g
ASEAN , UN
1) Role of individuals:
Individuals contribute their time, effort and energy towards meaningful social causes that they are
concerned about. Volunteering gives a person a sense of empowerment and a feeling that he/she can make
a difference in the lives of others or a cause that they devoted to . E.g. Volunteering.
2) Role of Organized groups:
Citizens with common group interests organize themselves into groups to contribute to the needs of the
society. NGOs can influence governmental decision and solve problems In society pointing out areas that
need more government attention and policies. E.g. the Humanitarian- Organization for Migration Economics
(HOME) and Transient Workers Count Too (TWO) campaigned to improve the working conditions of foreign
domestic workers In Singapore.
3)Roles of Formal groups:
Croups with clear objectives and registered with the government. Non governmental organization .
Voluntary Welfare organizations (VWO). E.g. MINDS run special education schools, hostels and caregiver
support for those with intellectual disabilities.
4) Role of Informal groups:
By participating in Societies, organized for a short term objective to issues that arise suddenly. Temporarily
formed but may not be registered. E.g. SG haze rescue , a community initiative that called people to
donate their Haze Masks and mobilized volunteers to help distribute the masks to the needy in 2013.
5) Strengthening citizens sense of belonging
By being involved in the sharing and discussion of views related to the future of Singapore, citizens can
develop a stronger sense of attachment towards Singapore. This can be done by using a different
communication channels to inform and discuss issues that society faces. E.g. REACH governmental
feedback unit which uses the internet and social media to give Singaporeans a forum to offer views,
understand policies and participate in national debates.