Name: _____________________
Class: __________________
Chapter 3 - Role of Government in Society Notes
Role What does this mean? (Explain) How is this practiced? (Example)
Maintaining Agencies such as the police, prisons and
Internal Order civil defence forces protect citizens,
property and whatever society believes
should be protected.
Defence
Maintaining Through the collaboration of the army,
External Security navy and air force, Singapore’s defence is
strengthened and potential enemies are
deterred from attacking Singapore.
Diplomacy
The work of maintaining good
relationship between governments of
different countries
Ensuring Justice The judiciary’s responsibility is to
independently interpret and apply the
laws passed by the legislature.
Safeguarding the
Interests of
Citizens
Singapore Police force protects the
people who live in Singapore from crime,
public disorder and all forms of criminal
harm.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force
(RSAF) deters aggression through control
of the air and decisively influencing the
ground and maritime battles. It responds
decisively to the full spectrum of missions
from peace to war as part of an integrated
Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)
When Singapore and Malaysia had
different views on who Pedra Branca
belonged to, both parties agreed to
resolve their differences amicably
through a third party by bringing the
territorial dispute to the International
Court of Justice.
See pg. 75
▪ Govt introduced the WorkRight
initiative to help both employees
and employers understand their
rights and responsibilities. The
Date:__________
Why is this important? (Link)
Singapore can be safe and free from
threat. Social services such as schools
and hospitals can exist with the peace
and safety that the government
provides.
To strengthen Singapore’s defence and
deter potential enemies from attacking
Singapore. This helps to defend security
interests and the sovereignty of
Singapore. Ensures Singapore will
secure a swift and decisive victory over
aggressors so as to protect Singapore’s
national interests.
To retain its reputation and
international standing in the global
arena.
Positions responsible and constructive
member of the international
community.
Singaporeans will have confidence that
the courts will judge people fairly.
This will ensure that citizens will have a
sense of security about living in a
country.

▪ CPF enables Singaporeans to
Can be done in various ways such as
ensuring there is no abuse by employers
as well as a sense of security in old age.
WorkRight Initiative is intended to
create awareness of employment
rights amongst low-wage workers
and better ensure retirement
security for this group of workers.
finance their healthcare and
housing needs and have a source
of lifelong income in retirement.

▪ Governments devote significant Eg. A service provided for the public is
Providing Goods resources to improving the well- transportation. In Singapore, the
and Services to the being of their citizens. government has worked towards
Public developing a people-centred public
transport system, which has amongst
others, more connections and better
services
In their daily lives, citizens benefit from
the provision of goods and services for
the public. These goods and services are
provided for or subsidised by
governments so that all citizens can
have access to them.

Eg. Highly subsidised school fees  $10