Governance and the Political System · Semester 2

The Elected Presidency

The evolution of the Presidency from a ceremonial role to a custodial one, overseeing national reserves and key appointments.

About This Topic

The evolution of the Presidency from a ceremonial role to a custodial one is a key development in Singapore's governance. This topic explores the 1991 constitutional changes that created the Elected Presidency, giving the President the power to oversee the nation's past reserves and the appointment of key public officials.

For Secondary 3 students, this is a lesson in checks and balances. It covers the 'two keys' concept, where both the Government and the President must agree before reserves can be spent, and the reasons why the government felt this additional safeguard was necessary for Singapore's long-term security.

This topic comes alive when students can engage in simulations of the President's custodial role, helping them understand the practical 'check' the President provides on the government's power.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the historical context and primary motivations behind the establishment of the Elected Presidency in Singapore in 1991.
• Explain the 'two keys' mechanism and its significance in safeguarding national reserves.
• Evaluate the role of the Elected President as a check and balance on the executive branch of government.
• Compare the powers and responsibilities of the ceremonial President versus the Elected President.

Before You Start

Branches of Government in Singapore

Why: Students need a foundational understanding of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches to comprehend how the Elected Presidency fits into the broader governance structure.

Singapore's Political History (Post-Independence)

Why: Knowledge of Singapore's political journey provides context for the evolution of its governance structures, including the rationale for constitutional changes.

Key Vocabulary

Elected Presidency	A constitutional office in Singapore where the President is directly elected by the people, granting them custodial powers over national reserves and key appointments.
National Reserves	Singapore's accumulated past savings, which the Elected President has custodial powers over, requiring their concurrence before significant withdrawals.
Custodial Powers	The authority granted to the Elected President to safeguard national assets, including reserves and the integrity of key public service appointments.
Checks and Balances	A system within government where different branches have powers that limit those of the other branches, preventing any single branch from becoming too powerful.
Constitutional Safeguard	A provision within the constitution designed to protect specific national interests, in this case, the nation's financial reserves and the impartiality of key appointments.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The 'Two Keys' in Action

Students act as the Prime Minister and the President. The PM wants to draw on the reserves for a major project, and the President must evaluate the request and decide whether to give their 'key' based on the national interest.

⏱ 45 min·Pairs

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Inquiry Circle: The President's Powers

Groups research the specific areas where the President has 'veto' power (e.g., the budget, key appointments, ISA detentions). They must create a 'powers map' and explain the significance of each power.

⏱ 40 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: Why the Change in 1991?

Students reflect on why the government decided to change the Presidency from an appointed to an elected role. They share with a partner how having a popular mandate gives the President the authority to challenge the government.

⏱ 20 min·Pairs

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Real-World Connections

The Council of Presidential Advisers (CPA) provides counsel to the President on matters concerning reserves and appointments. Students can research the current members of the CPA and their backgrounds, understanding how their expertise informs presidential decisions.

Financial analysts and economists often debate the optimal use of national reserves. Students can explore news articles discussing proposals for reserve utilization and consider how the President's custodial role influences these discussions.

The Auditor-General's Office (AGO) reports on government spending. Students can examine summaries of AGO reports to understand how the President's oversight function relates to ensuring accountability in public finance.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The President can do whatever they want with the reserves.

What to Teach Instead

The President's role is 'custodial,' meaning they can only say 'no' to the government's request to spend past reserves; they cannot initiate spending themselves. A 'custodian vs. manager' comparison helps students understand the limits of the President's power.

Common Misconception

The Elected Presidency is just a political move to limit future governments.

What to Teach Instead

While it does act as a check, the official reason is to protect the nation's hard-earned reserves for future generations. Using a 'long-term security' analysis helps students see the strategic reasoning behind the safeguard.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Imagine you are advising a future government on Singapore's security. What are the two most critical reasons for maintaining the Elected President's custodial powers over national reserves?' Facilitate a class discussion where students present and defend their points, referencing the 'two keys' concept.

Quick Check

Provide students with a scenario: 'The government proposes a new infrastructure project requiring a significant withdrawal from the national reserves.' Ask students to write down: 1. What is the President's primary consideration in this scenario? 2. What is the term for this Presidential power?

Exit Ticket

On an exit ticket, ask students to complete these two sentences: 'The Elected Presidency was established to...' and 'The 'two keys' system ensures that...'

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the role of the President changed in 1991?

The role was changed to provide a 'check and balance' on the government of the day. As Singapore's reserves grew, the government felt it was important to have an independent custodian who could prevent a future 'irresponsible' government from spending the reserves unwisely.

What are the 'two keys' that the President holds?

The 'two keys' is a metaphor for the shared control over Singapore's past reserves. One key is held by the Government, and the other by the President. Both must agree before any of the past reserves can be drawn upon.

How can active learning help students understand the Elected Presidency?

By simulating the 'two keys' negotiation, students see the tension and the responsibility involved in overseeing national reserves. This active approach helps them understand that the Presidency is a vital part of our system of checks and balances, rather than just a ceremonial role.

How does the Elected Presidency act as a check and balance?

The President acts as a check by having the power to veto the government's budget if it draws on past reserves, and by having the final say on the appointment of top public officials (like the Chief Justice and the Commissioner of Police), ensuring they remain independent.