History · Secondary 4 · Political Evolution and Governance · Semester 2

The Elected Presidency: Custodial Powers

Students examine the shift from a ceremonial to an elected president with custodial powers over reserves.

• MOE Syllabus Outcomes
• MOE: Political Evolution and Governance - S4

About This Topic

The office of the President in Singapore underwent a major change in 1991, moving from a ceremonial role appointed by Parliament to an elected role with specific custodial powers. The 'Elected Presidency' was designed to act as a 'second key' to protect the nation's past reserves and the integrity of the public service. This topic covers the rationale for this change, the President's powers, and the introduction of the Reserved Election to ensure multi-racial representation.

This topic is a study in 'institutional design.' It connects to the MOE syllabus by examining how Singapore protects its long-term assets. Students benefit from active learning by simulating a 'request for funds' where the President must decide whether to allow the government to draw from the reserves.

Key Questions

1. Explain why the office of the President was changed in 1991.
2. Differentiate the 'two keys' regarding the national reserves.
3. Analyze how the Reserved Election (2017) impacted public perception.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the constitutional rationale for establishing an Elected Presidency with custodial powers in Singapore.
• Differentiate the roles and responsibilities of the government and the President concerning the nation's reserves.
• Analyze the impact of the 2017 Reserved Election on public perception of multi-racial representation in leadership.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the 'two keys' system in safeguarding national reserves against potential misuse.

Before You Start

Singapore's Political System: Key Institutions

Why: Students need a foundational understanding of Singapore's governmental structure, including the roles of Parliament and the Cabinet, before examining the President's specific powers.

Economic Principles: Fiscal Policy and Budgets

Why: Understanding basic concepts of government spending, revenue, and national savings is essential for grasping the significance of managing national reserves.

Key Vocabulary

Custodial Powers	Specific powers granted to the President to safeguard national reserves and the integrity of public institutions, acting as a check on the government.
National Reserves	Singapore's accumulated savings from past surpluses, managed by the government but with the President holding a second key to approve significant drawdowns.
Reserved Election	An election for the Presidency where candidates from a specific racial community are eligible if that community has not been represented in the office for a set period.
Second Key	A metaphor representing the President's veto power over the government's proposed use of national reserves, ensuring prudent financial management.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The President can make their own laws and policies.

What to Teach Instead

The President's powers are 'custodial' and 'reactive'; they can veto certain government actions but cannot propose their own laws. A 'can vs cannot' sorting activity can help students understand the specific limits of the President's power.

Common Misconception

The President is just a 'rubber stamp' for the government.

What to Teach Instead

The President has a real veto over the reserves and key appointments, and they have used their power to ask tough questions (e.g., during the 2008 financial crisis). Using historical examples of the President 'turning the key' can correct this view.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Two-Key System

One student plays the Finance Minister requesting to use reserves for a crisis (e.g., a pandemic), and another plays the President. The President must consult the Council of Presidential Advisers and decide if the request meets the 'national interest' criteria.

40 min·Pairs

Inquiry Circle: The Reserved Election

Groups research the 2017 Reserved Election. They must explain why the government felt it was necessary to ensure a President from a minority race and discuss the public's reaction to this policy change.

45 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share: Ceremonial vs Custodial

Students discuss: 'Which role of the President is more important: being a symbol of unity or being a guardian of the reserves?' They pair up to list the pros and cons of each and share with the class.

20 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• Financial analysts at sovereign wealth funds like GIC and Temasek Holdings must understand the principles of long-term asset management and intergenerational equity, similar to the rationale behind Singapore's Elected Presidency.
• Members of Parliament and government policymakers regularly debate budgetary allocations and fiscal policies, providing a real-world context for the checks and balances involved in managing national finances.
• Community leaders and advocates for minority representation in various countries often discuss mechanisms to ensure diverse voices are heard in governance, reflecting the principles behind Singapore's Reserved Elections.

Assessment Ideas

Quick Check

Present students with a hypothetical scenario where the government proposes to use $10 billion from the reserves for a new infrastructure project. Ask them to write one sentence explaining the President's role in approving or rejecting this proposal, referencing the 'second key'.

Discussion Prompt

Facilitate a class debate on the statement: 'The Reserved Election is a necessary safeguard for multiracialism in Singapore.' Prompt students to consider arguments for and against this policy, referencing the 2017 election.

Exit Ticket

Ask students to list two key differences between the ceremonial presidency and the elected presidency with custodial powers. They should also write one sentence explaining the primary purpose of the custodial powers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 'two keys' regarding the national reserves?

The 'two-key' system means that the government holds the first key (the power to propose spending), but the President holds the second key (the power to veto the use of past reserves). This ensures that no government can spend the nation's savings without the President's approval.

Why was the office of the President changed in 1991?

The change was made to create a safeguard for Singapore's massive financial reserves and the integrity of the public service. The government wanted an independent, elected figure who could prevent a future 'profligate' government from spending the reserves or appointing cronies to key positions.

How can active learning help students understand the Elected Presidency?

By simulating the 'request for funds' process, students realize that the President's role is a serious responsibility that requires balancing immediate needs with long-term security. This makes the 'custodial' role feel like a practical 'insurance policy' for the nation's future.

What is a Reserved Election?

A Reserved Election is a mechanism where the Presidential election is reserved for a specific ethnic group if no one from that group has been President for five consecutive terms. This ensures that Singapore's highest office remains multi-racial and representative of all citizens over time.