CH2 Govt in a Representative Democracy

Which of the following statements are true about representative democracy?

[more than 1 answer]

• It is a form of democracy where citizens elect representatives to form a government to make decisions on their behalf.

• It is a form of government where the elected representatives run the country for life. 

• It is a form of government where the government has unlimited power and it can make any decision it wishes to.

• It is a form of government where the government does not have unlimited power to make decisions or carry out policies.

Answer explanation

Representative democracy involves citizens electing representatives to make decisions on their behalf, ensuring the government has limited power, unlike the other options which suggest unlimited power or lifetime terms.

The SG govt serves 3 functions. These functions are carried out by three branches of government - the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary. What is the function of the Legislature?

• • To make and pass laws

• • To implement and enforce laws

• • To interpret and apply laws

Answer explanation

The function of the Legislature is to make and pass laws. This distinguishes it from the Executive, which implements laws, and the Judiciary, which interprets them.

The Legislature consists of ...

• the Parliament

• the President and the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister

• the President and the Parliament

Answer explanation

The Legislature is composed of the President and the Parliament, which work together to create laws. The other options incorrectly include the Cabinet or only the Parliament.

What is the function of the Executive?

• To make and pass laws

• • To implement and enforce laws

• • To interpret and apply laws

Answer explanation

The Executive's primary function is to implement and enforce laws, ensuring that legislation passed by the legislative branch is carried out effectively. This distinguishes it from the roles of making or interpreting laws.

The Executive consists of ...

• the Chief Justice

• the Parliament and the President

• the President and the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister

The Judiciary consists of ...

[more than 1 answer]

• the Family Justice Courts

• the International Court of Justice

• the State Courts

• the Supreme Court

Who is the head of the Judiciary?

• The Chief Justice

• The President

• The Prime Minister

Do the three branches of government have unlimited power to make decisions or carry out policies?

• Yes

• No

Who makes up the Legislature?

• Chief Justice, High Court Judges and Judges of Appeal

• President and Parliament

• President and the Cabinet

A Bill usually goes through three readings before it can be passed as a law. At the First Reading, when the Bill is introduced by a Minister, copies of the Bill are distributed to Members of Parliament (MPs). What do the MPs do with the Bill?

• They will debate over merits of the Bill. 

• They will study the Bill and prepare questions and comments to be raised at the next reading. 

• They will vote whether to pass the Bill.