SG govt ⇒ 3 main functions:
- Make and pass laws
- implement and enforce laws
- interpret and apply laws
These function ⇒ carried out by 3 branches of govt.
Legislature ⇒ makes and passes laws Executive ⇒ implements and enforces laws. Judiciary ⇒ interprets and applies laws.
Authority and power of these branches ⇒ derived from constitution ⇒ often referred to as supreme law.
| Legislative | Executive | Judiciary |
|---|---|---|
| Legislature ⇒ performs govt function of making and passing laws. Consists of president and parliament order of presidency President ⇒ parliament Before law is passed → draft → called bill → debated in parliament. ⇒ All bills must receive presidents agreement to become part of the law in Singapore. President may not agree to certain bills at his/her discretion How does Bill Become Law 1. First reading Bill is formally introduced in parliamet ⇒ no debate at this state 2. Second Reading → members debate the general principles and merits of the bill. They then vote on whether the bill should proceed to the next stage 3. Third reading Principles behind bill ⇒ can no longer be questioned. Bill is voted upon 4. Committee stage Details of the proposed law are examined. Changes to certain provisions can be proposed. 5. Scrutiny by presidential council for minority rights → ensure bill doe snot discriminate against any racial or religious committee. 6. Presidents assent President agrees to passing of the bill as law 7. Law Bill ⇒ becomes an act of parliament and part of law in Singapore. | Executive performs govt function of enforcing and implementing laws. Consists of president and the cabinet. Work of the executive is supported by various ministries and statutory boards. Order of presidency President ⇒ cabinet Function: - Enforces and implements laws passed by legislature - formulates and implements govt policies in areas such as education, healthcare, housing, transport - Responsible for the day to day administration of the affairs of the state | Judiciary ⇒ fulfills govt function of interpreting and applying laws through the courts Judiciary ⇒ consists of supreme courts, state courts, family justice courts Head of judiciary ⇒ is chief justice Order of presidency: Supreme court ⇒ state courts and family justice courts Function: - Administers justice by interpreting and applying laws made by the legislature - Makes formal judgements on disputes between individuals and on those between individuals and the govt. |
| SocialStudiesExamples |
| Legislature | Executive | Judiciary |
|---|---|---|
| April ⇒ amid growing threat of COVID 19 in the country ⇒ SG govt urgently passed COVID 19 (temporary measures) Act that made wearing of masks compulsory by Law Act was passed to prevent, protect against and control the transmission of virus in Singapore. | Several govt agencies ⇒ issued a letter of appointment by ministry of health and involved in the enforcing of COVID 19 (temporary measures) act. Agencies included the following: - LTA (Land transport authority) - NEA (National environment agency) - NParks (National parks board) - SPF (Singapore Police Force) Officers from these agencies ⇒ can issue offenders a notice of offense ⇒ includes find amount and details of the offense. First time offenders ⇒ 300 Thousands of safe distancing ambassadors (SDAs) ⇒ also deployed Main tasks were to remind the public to abide by the regulations that ensure masks were worn correctly | Cases ⇒ involving individuals who defy the law ⇒ resolved with individuals paying fine metered out by enforcement officers. However ⇒ individuals who ignore enforcement actions or commit more serious crimes ⇒ summoned to state courts for summoning eg: 2020 ⇒ woman was caught on video arguing with a passerby who had told her to wear her mask and abide by the law → she was sentenced to 2 weeks in jail and fined 2000 for failing to wear a mask as well as being a public nuisance. |
How 3 Branches of govt work together
→ refer to the above example
Separation of Powers → prevents concentration of power within a small select group each branch of govt ⇒ may also check that other branches do not act illegally or irresponsibly
| legislature checks executive by asking cabinet ministers questions on govt policies for discussion or debate in the parliament | Judiciary ensures that laws are consistent with constitution |
| Judiciary ensures executive actress within the powers conferred to them by law if judiciary finds that an authority has acted unlawfully ⇒ it can cancel decision made or order authority to act lawfully | Executive checks the judicial system by removal of judges under very limited circumstances |