Governance and the Political System · Semester 2

The One-Party Dominant System

Analysing the reasons for the PAP's long-term political dominance and the absence of an opposition in Parliament until J.B. Jeyaretnam's win in 1981.

About This Topic

The one-party dominant system is a central feature of Singapore's political landscape. This topic analyses why the People's Action Party (PAP) has remained in power since 1959 and the significance of the period between 1968 and 1981, when there was no opposition in Parliament at all.

For students, this is a lesson in political legitimacy and the 'social contract.' It covers how the PAP's track record of economic success and social stability earned them the trust of the voters, and how the first win by an opposition member (J.B. Jeyaretnam) in 1981 marked a new era in Singaporean politics.

This topic comes alive when students can engage in structured debates about the benefits and drawbacks of a dominant party system for a small, developing nation.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the primary factors contributing to the People's Action Party's (PAP) sustained electoral success and political dominance in Singapore.
• Evaluate the historical significance of J.B. Jeyaretnam's 1981 by-election victory as a turning point for opposition politics in Singapore.
• Critique the potential benefits and drawbacks of a one-party dominant system for a nation's governance and development.
• Compare the electoral strategies and outcomes of the PAP and opposition parties during the specified period.

Before You Start

Introduction to Political Systems

Why: Students need a basic understanding of different forms of government and the concept of elections to grasp the specifics of Singapore's system.

Post-WWII Decolonization in Southeast Asia

Why: Understanding the historical context of Singapore's independence and the challenges faced by newly formed nations is essential for analyzing the PAP's rise to power.

Key Vocabulary

One-Party Dominant System	A political system where one political party consistently wins elections and holds power, even though other parties may exist and contest elections.
Electoral Dominance	The sustained ability of a single political party to win a significant majority of seats in a legislature, often leading to prolonged periods in government.
Opposition Politics	The activities and role of political parties and individuals who are not in power, aiming to challenge the ruling party and provide alternative governance.
By-election	An election held to fill a seat in a legislature that has become vacant between general elections, often due to the death or resignation of a member.

Active Learning Ideas

Formal Debate: Is a Dominant Party System Good?

Divide the class into two groups. One group argues that a dominant party system provides the stability needed for long-term planning. The other group argues that a strong opposition is necessary for accountability and diverse voices.

⏱ 50 min·Whole Class

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Inquiry Circle: The 1981 Anson By-Election

Groups research the significance of J.B. Jeyaretnam's victory. They must identify why he was able to win and how the PAP government responded to the return of an opposition voice to Parliament.

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: Why the PAP?

Students reflect on three specific reasons why the PAP has been able to win every election since 1959. They share with a partner and rank these reasons in order of importance.

⏱ 20 min·Pairs

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Real-World Connections

Political scientists at the National University of Singapore analyze voting patterns and demographic shifts to understand electoral trends, similar to how analysts examine election results in countries like India or South Africa.

Journalists covering parliamentary debates, such as those at the Parliament House of Singapore, report on the dynamics between the ruling party and the opposition, informing public discourse on governance.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The PAP stays in power only because of strict laws.

What to Teach Instead

While laws play a role, their dominance is also based on a high level of performance and the delivery of tangible benefits like housing and jobs. A 'performance vs. policy' analysis helps students see the multiple layers of political support.

Common Misconception

The absence of an opposition meant there was no debate in Singapore.

What to Teach Instead

Debate often happened within the PAP itself or through government-linked feedback channels. Using primary source speeches from PAP backbenchers helps students see that internal criticism was a part of the system.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Facilitate a class debate using the prompt: 'Is a one-party dominant system more beneficial or detrimental to nation-building in a small, developing country like Singapore?' Assign students roles representing different perspectives (e.g., PAP supporter, opposition advocate, neutral observer) to encourage reasoned arguments.

Quick Check

Present students with a short list of historical events and policies from the PAP's rule (e.g., economic development plans, housing initiatives, electoral reforms). Ask them to select three they believe were most crucial to the party's sustained dominance and briefly explain why for each.

Exit Ticket

Ask students to write two sentences explaining the significance of J.B. Jeyaretnam's 1981 victory and one sentence identifying a key factor that enabled the PAP's long-term political dominance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the PAP achieve such long-term political dominance?

The PAP's dominance is built on its track record of delivering economic growth, social stability, and high-quality public services. They also developed a strong grassroots network and were able to attract many of the country's top talents into the party.

What was the significance of J.B. Jeyaretnam's win in 1981?

His win in the Anson by-election broke the PAP's 13-year monopoly on Parliament. It signaled a growing desire among some voters for an alternative voice and forced the PAP to rethink how it engaged with the public and handled opposition.

How can active learning help students understand the political system?

By debating the merits of a dominant party system and investigating key elections, students move beyond a 'textbook' understanding of politics. This active approach helps them grapple with the complex relationship between stability, democracy, and national development in the Singaporean context.

Is a dominant party system beneficial or detrimental to nation-building?

Supporters argue it allows for long-term planning and decisive action, which were crucial in Singapore's early years. Critics argue it can lead to a lack of accountability and the marginalization of alternative views. Most historians see it as a system that provided the stability needed for Singapore's rapid rise but also created ongoing debates about political pluralism.