← Social Studies syllabus

SingaporeSocial Studies

Working for the Good of Society

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does a government balance the competing needs of different groups in society?

Explain how a government balances the competing needs and interests of different groups when working for the good of society
A focused answer to the O-Level Social Studies idea of balancing competing needs. Why different groups want different things, how a government weighs their interests, and how Singapore tries to serve the good of society as a whole.
8 min answer →

What makes a society fair and just, and how does a government work towards it?

Explain what makes a society fair and just, and how a government works towards fairness while keeping people motivated
A focused answer to the O-Level Social Studies idea of a fair and just society. What fairness and justice mean, the tension between equality and rewarding effort, and how a government tries to balance them for the good of all.
9 min answer →

How can a government reconcile clashing interests and values to keep society working together?

Explain how a government reconciles different interests and values, through consultation, compromise and shared goals, to work for the good of society
A focused answer to the O-Level Social Studies idea of reconciling clashing interests and values. The difference between interests and values, and how consultation, compromise and appeals to shared goals help a government bring groups together.
9 min answer →

Who should make decisions for society, and how can citizens take part?

Explain the roles of the government and citizens in making decisions for society, and the ways citizens can take part
A focused answer to the O-Level Social Studies idea of decision-making. Why governments make many decisions for society, the ways citizens can take part and give feedback, and how shared decision-making improves outcomes.
8 min answer →

How does a government weigh the trade-offs in a public policy decision?

Explain how a government weighs the trade-offs of a public policy, considering costs, benefits and who is affected, to work for the good of society
A focused answer to the O-Level Social Studies idea of trade-offs in policy. Why every policy has costs as well as benefits, who gains and who loses, and how a government weighs short and long term to serve the good of society.
9 min answer →