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Western Mindanao State University

College of Liberal Arts

Department of Political Science

Brief Paper

SINGAPORE

SUBMITTED BY: APRIL ANN BARRIOS


Introduction

Though physically small, Singapore is an economic giant. It has been Southeast Asia's most

modern city for over a century. The city blends Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and English

cultures and religions. Its unique ethnic tapestry affords visitors a wide array of sightseeing and

culinary opportunities from which to choose. A full calendar of traditional festivals and holidays

celebrated throughout the year adds to its cultural appeal. In addition, Singapore offers luxury

hotels, delectable cuisine and great shopping! The island nation of the Republic of Singapore lies

one degree north of the Equator in Southern Asia. The country includes the island of Singapore

and 58 or so smaller islands. Because of its efficient and determined government, Singapore has

become a flourishing country that excels in trade and tourism and is a model to developing

nations. The capital city, also called Singapore, covers about a third of the area of the main

island.

Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore's tropical climate welcomes both leisure and

business travelers year round. The island republic's excellent infrastructure enables visitors to

enjoy its many sites and attractions in a safe, clean and green environment. Award winning

Changi Airport provides airlinks to major cities around the world. The train and subway systems

are clean, fast and efficient. In addition, its state-of-the-art cruise terminal has established

Singapore as one of the premier cruising centers of South East Asia and an exciting port of call

on any Asian cruise itinerary.


Political System in Singapore

The Government in Singapore is modeled after the Westminster system, with 3 separate

branches: the Legislature or Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary. Parliament makes the

laws. The Executive administers the law.

The Judiciary interprets the law through the Courts.

This system of Government is known as the parliamentary representative democratic republic

model, where the Prime Minister of Singapore is the Head of Government and the President of

Singapore is the Head of State.

Being unicameral, the Parliament of Singapore has only one House. The Members of Parliament

(MPs) are voted in at regular General Elections. The leader of the political party that secures the

majority of seats in Parliament will be asked by the President to become the Prime Minister

(PM). The PM will then select his Ministers from elected MPs to form the Cabinet.

When the new Parliament meets for the first time after a General Election, the Speaker will be

elected. The "life" of each Parliament is 5 years from the date of its first meeting or Sitting. A

General Election must be held within 3 months of the dissolution of Parliament


Reflection/Conclusion

Singapore's progress over the past three decades has been remarkable, yet the island has not been

overwhelmed by development. Visitors will discover a wealth of historical treasures from the

past, in the beauty of older buildings, values and traditions that have survived in the face of

profound social and geographical change.

Lacking any noteworthy natural resources, Singapore's early prosperity was based on a vigorous

free trade policy, put in place in 1819 when Sir Stamford Raffles first established it as a British

trading post. Later, mass industrialization bolstered the economy, and today the state boasts the

world's second busiest port after Rotterdam, minimal unemployment, and a super efficient

infrastructure. Almost the entire population lives in upscale new apartments, and the average per

capita income is over US$12,000. Singapore is a clean, safe place to visit, its amenities are

second to none and its public places are smoke-free and hygienic.

Forming the core of downtown Singapore is the Colonial District. Each surrounding enclave has

its own distinct flavor, from the aromatic spice stores of Little India, to the tumbledown

backstreets of Chinatown, where it is still possible to find calligraphers and fortune tellers, or the

Arab Quarter, whose cluttered stores sell fine cloths and silks.

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