CCE · Secondary 3 · The Legislative Process and Policy Making · Semester 1

Principles of Public Policy

Analyzing how the government decides to spend national wealth and tax revenue.

• MOE Syllabus Outcomes
• MOE: Governance and the Rule of Law - S3
• MOE: National Identity - S3

About This Topic

Select Committees and Specialized Inquiry are vital tools for deep-exploring complex national issues. This topic covers how Parliament appoints small groups of MPs to investigate specific problems, hear from experts, and gather public feedback before making recommendations. Students learn about the importance of evidence-based policy-making and the role of non-partisan inquiry in solving social challenges.

This unit connects to the MOE Governance syllabus by showing the 'behind-the-scenes' work of Parliament. It highlights how the government engages with the public and experts to tackle issues like online falsehoods, healthcare costs, or climate change. For Secondary 3 students, it demonstrates that governance is a collaborative process that values expertise and diverse viewpoints.

This topic comes alive when students can physically model the patterns of an inquiry by conducting their own mock 'Select Committee' hearing on a school-based issue.

Key Questions

1. Evaluate the ethical considerations in allocating national resources.
2. Justify different approaches to balancing current needs with future reserves.
3. Compare various policy frameworks for addressing social issues.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the ethical implications of allocating limited public funds to competing social needs.
• Evaluate the trade-offs between addressing immediate societal demands and preserving national reserves for future generations.
• Compare and contrast different policy frameworks, such as universal basic income or targeted welfare programs, for tackling poverty.
• Justify a proposed policy decision regarding resource allocation, considering economic, social, and ethical factors.
• Synthesize information from diverse sources to formulate evidence-based recommendations for public spending.

Before You Start

Introduction to Economics

Why: Students need a basic understanding of concepts like scarcity, supply and demand, and government revenue sources to grasp public spending and taxation.

Branches of Government

Why: Understanding the roles of the executive and legislative branches is foundational to comprehending how policy decisions are made and budgets are approved.

Key Vocabulary

Fiscal Policy	Government actions related to taxation and spending to influence the economy and provide public services.
Budget Allocation	The process of distributing available government funds among various sectors, departments, or programs.
Public Goods	Services or goods that are non-excludable and non-rivalrous, meaning everyone can benefit from them and one person's use does not diminish another's (e.g., national defense, clean air).
Social Welfare Programs	Government initiatives designed to support citizens' well-being, often through financial assistance, healthcare, or education.
National Reserves	Savings or investments held by a government, often accumulated during periods of surplus, to be used for future needs or economic stability.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Select Committees are just for show and don't change anything.

What to Teach Instead

Select Committee reports often lead directly to major changes in law and policy. Tracing the path from a committee recommendation to a final Act of Parliament helps students see the tangible impact of these inquiries.

Common Misconception

Only government officials can speak to a Select Committee.

What to Teach Instead

Select Committees often invite members of the public, academics, and civil society groups to share their views. A 'witness list' brainstorm helps students see the diversity of voices that contribute to the process.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: Mock Select Committee

Students form a committee to investigate an issue like 'Smartphone use in schools.' They 'summon' witnesses (other students playing experts, parents, or teachers) to give testimony and then draft a report with recommendations.

60 min·Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: Real-World Inquiries

Groups research a past Singapore Select Committee (e.g., the one on Deliberate Online Falsehoods). They identify who gave evidence, what the key findings were, and how it led to a new law (like POFMA).

45 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share: Why Ask the Experts?

Students discuss why MPs might need to consult scientists, doctors, or community leaders before making a law. They share one example of a topic where expert advice would be absolutely necessary for a good outcome.

20 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• The Ministry of Finance in Singapore annually debates and finalizes the national budget, deciding how much to allocate to healthcare, education, infrastructure, and defense, impacting citizens' daily lives and future development.
• Discussions around funding for public transport upgrades versus investments in renewable energy projects represent a real-world application of balancing current needs with long-term sustainability goals.
• The implementation of MediShield Life, a national health insurance scheme, demonstrates a policy decision to address healthcare costs and ensure basic medical coverage for all Singaporeans.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'If the government has an extra $1 billion, should it be used to reduce taxes for all citizens, invest in new public housing, or increase funding for eldercare services?'. Ask students to form small groups, discuss the pros and cons of each option, and present a reasoned argument for their preferred allocation, citing at least one ethical consideration.

Quick Check

Provide students with a short case study describing a hypothetical national challenge, such as rising unemployment or an aging population. Ask them to identify two potential policy solutions and briefly explain how each solution would be funded and what trade-offs might be involved.

Exit Ticket

On an index card, have students write down one example of a public good and one example of a social welfare program. Then, ask them to explain in one sentence why governments are typically responsible for providing these.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 'Select Committee'?

It is a small group of Members of Parliament appointed to perform a specific task, such as examining a Bill in detail or investigating a matter of public importance. They have the power to 'send for persons, papers, and records' to get the information they need.

How can a regular person participate in a Select Committee?

When a Select Committee is formed, they often issue a public call for 'representations.' Any individual or organization can submit a written statement of their views. Some may then be invited to appear in person to answer questions from the MPs.

How can active learning help students understand Select Committees?

By running a mock inquiry, students learn the skill of 'inquiry-based learning.' They practice asking probing questions, weighing conflicting evidence, and reaching a consensus. This helps them appreciate the rigor required for good governance and the value of listening to different perspectives.

What is the difference between a Select Committee and a regular Parliamentary debate?

A regular debate is usually a broad discussion among all MPs in the main chamber. A Select Committee is much more focused and detailed. It happens in a smaller setting where MPs can spend hours or days questioning a single expert to get to the bottom of a complex issue.