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SingaporeSocial StudiesQuick questions
Working for the Good of Society
Quick questions on Balancing the needs of different groups explained: O-Level Social Studies
5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What are the problem of competing interests?Show answer
Because resources are limited and interests differ, a government constantly faces situations where it cannot give everyone what they want. Spending more on one group's needs leaves less for another's; a rule that protects workers raises costs for businesses; land used for one purpose is denied to another. The government's task is not to pretend these clashes away but to weigh them and reach a decision that serves society as a whole, even though some groups will be disappointed.
What is no criteria for balancing?Show answer
Explain how a government weighs needs, numbers, fairness, long-term effects, cohesion, rather than just asserting it balances.
What is q1?Show answer
Explain why different groups in society often want different things. [2 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Explain two things a government weighs when balancing competing needs. [4 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Why is "always serve the majority" too simple a rule? [2 marks]
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