What are the functions and roles of government in working for the good of society?

G2 Social Studies - syllabus K230 (Social Studies component), 2027

How Singapore's government makes laws, carries them out and applies them in court, and how this keeps order, supports well-being and protects the country.

• Representative democracy

  Citizens elect Members of Parliament to make decisions for them. MPs raise concerns, debate laws and question ministers.

• Functions and roles

  Government has three functions: making laws, carrying them out and applying them in court. These serve its roles, such as keeping order.

• Making and passing laws

  A proposed law, called a Bill, must pass three readings in Parliament and get the President's assent before it becomes law.

• Implementing and enforcing laws

  The executive puts laws into practice. It sets up services, explains the rules and checks that people follow them.

• Interpreting and applying laws

  Courts decide cases by working out what the law means and applying it to the facts. Judges must be fair and independent.

• Maintaining law and order

  Law and order keeps people safe and lets disputes be settled fairly. It needs clear laws, effective enforcement and fair courts.

• Economic and social well-being

  Government helps people earn a living and live well through jobs, training, housing, healthcare and financial help.

• Promoting and protecting national interests

  Singapore protects its security, independence and prosperity through diplomacy with other countries and a strong defence.

• Put it together: Who does what about scams?

  Scam losses in Singapore kept rising, and some victims kept sending money even after police warnings. Follow the Protection from Scams Act through Parliament, into police action, and into a disputed scam case in court. At each stage, ask what the action establishes and what remains to be done.