Unicameralism (from uni - "one" + Latin camera "chamber") is a type of legislature consisting of one house or assembly that legislates and votes as one. Unicameralism has become an increasingly common type of legislature, making up nearly 60% of all national legislatures and an even greater share of subnational legislatures.
101-587: The Parliament of Singapore is the unicameral legislature of the Republic of Singapore , which governs the country alongside the president of Singapore . Largely based upon the Westminster system , the Parliament is made up of Members of Parliament (MPs) who are elected, as well as Non-constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs) and Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs) who are appointed. Following
202-514: A semi-presidential system (1981–1986) form of government. The ongoing process of amending or revising the current Constitution and form of government is popularly known as Charter Change . A shift to a unicameral parliament was included in the proposals of the constitutional commission created by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo . Unlike in the United States, senators in the Senate of
303-502: A simple plurality voting ("first past the post") basis. A person is not permitted to be an MP for more than one constituency at the same time. In the last general election in 2020 , the incumbent People's Action Party (PAP) won 83 of the 93 seats, but lost Hougang SMC , Aljunied GRC , and the newly created Sengkang GRC to the Workers' Party (WP). This was the first time more than one GRC had been won by an opposition party. With
404-637: A Council of Ministers would be created, composed of the three ex officio members and six elected members appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the Leader of the House, who would be the leader of the largest political party or coalition of parties having majority support in the legislature. The recommendation was implemented in 1955. In the general election held that year, the Labour Front took
505-630: A Reconstitution Committee that proposed, among other things, recommended that the council should be made up of four ex officio members; five officials; four nominated unofficials; three representatives nominated by the Singapore Chamber of Commerce, Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Indian Chamber of Commerce to represent the European, Chinese and Indian economic interests; and six members to be elected by universal suffrage . For
606-522: A ceiling of two-thirds of the Member's annual salary. No person has an absolute right to compensation for past services or to any pension or gratuity, and the president may reduce or withhold pensions and gratuities upon an MP's conviction for corruption. The Speaker has overall charge of the administration of Parliament and its secretariat . His or her official role is to preside over parliamentary sittings, moderating debates and making decisions based on
707-548: A debate the MP is often given the privilege of being one of the first non-Government MPs to speak. Singapore presently does not have a shadow cabinet in Parliament as the People's Action Party (PAP) has held an overwhelming majority of the seats in the House since it came to power in 1959. However, at the 1991 general election four opposition politicians were elected to Parliament: Chiam See Tong , Cheo Chai Chen and Ling How Doong from
808-400: A foreign country before becoming a Singapore citizen. If an MP becomes subject to any disqualification specified in paragraph 1, 2, 5 or 7 above and it is open to the Member to appeal against the decision, the Member immediately ceases to be entitled to sit or vote in Parliament or any committee of it. However, members are not required to vacate the seat until the end of 180 days beginning with
909-657: A formal decision on the matter. On 10 November 1986, the MP for Anson, Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam of the Workers' Party of Singapore , lost an appeal against a conviction for making a false statement in a declaration and was sentenced to one month's imprisonment and a fine of $ 5,000. Further applications and appeals in the criminal proceedings to the High Court , Court of Appeal and the Privy Council (then Singapore's highest court) were dismissed. On 9 December,
1010-542: A majority of the seats in the Assembly, and David Marshall became the first Chief Minister of Singapore . Major problems with the Rendel Constitution were that the powers of the chief minister and ministers were ill-defined, and that the official members retained control of the finance, administration, and internal security and law portfolios. This led to confrontation between Marshall, who saw himself as
1111-482: A month, bringing it to $ 225,000 per year. Subsequently, in 2012, MP's allowances were reduced to $ 192,500 per annum. Persons who have reached the age of 50 years and retired as MPs and who have served in this capacity for not less than nine years may be granted a pension for the rest of their lives. The annual amount payable is 1 ⁄ 30 of the person's highest annual salary for every completed year of service and 1 ⁄ 360 for every uncompleted year, up to
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#17327823834691212-622: A monthly allowance, a non-pensionable annual allowance (commonly known as the 13th month pay), and an annual variable component that is paid in July and December each year. The monthly allowance is 56% of the salary of an Administrative Service officer at the SR9 grade – the entry grade for Singapore's top civil servants – which is itself benchmarked at the salary of the 15th person aged 32 years from six professions: banking, law, engineering, accountancy, multinational companies and local manufacturers. In 1995,
1313-582: A moot parliament, history corner, and multimedia information kiosks to provide a full educational programme, as is the case in the Parliament House in Canberra . Also part of the new building are a 170-seat auditorium, a library, range of meeting and IT rooms and media facilities, a dining room, a 100-seat public cafeteria and even a gymnasium . Car parking is available below ground, leaving much valuable space above to include lush landscaping and
1414-420: A parliamentary sitting is one quarter of the total number of MPs, not including the speaker. An MP begins a debate by moving a motion and delivering an opening speech explaining the reasons for the motion. The speaker (or chairman, if Parliament is in committee) then puts the motion in the form of a question, following which other MPs may debate the motion. After that, the mover may exercise a right of reply. When
1515-603: A point made by then Leader of the House , Edmund William Barker during a parliamentary debate on 16 March 1983. The old building had been renovated several times to accommodate the demand for space, but there was a limit as to how much the building could be widened without disrupting the Chamber's configuration and causing discomfort to its members. The debate concluded in 1989, when the First Deputy Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong proposed
1616-695: A prime minister governing the country, and the governor Sir John Fearns Nicoll , who felt that important decisions and policies should remain with himself and the officials. In 1956, members of the Legislative Assembly held constitutional talks with the Colonial Office in London. The talks broke down as Marshall did not agree to the British Government's proposal for the casting vote on a proposed Defence Council to be held by
1717-598: A range of independent and non-partisan views as possible. Subject to rules on the tenure of MPs in general, NMPs serve for a term of two and a half years. The first two NMPs sworn in on 20 December 1990 were cardiologist Professor Maurice Choo and company executive Leong Chee Whye. NMPs can participate in all parliamentary debates, but cannot vote on any motion relating to: Persons are qualified to be elected or appointed as Members of Parliament if: Article 45 provides that persons are not qualified to be MPs if: A person's disqualification for having failed to properly lodge
1818-494: A return of election expenses or having been convicted of an offence may be removed by the president. If the president has not done so, the disqualification ceases at the end of five years from the date when the return was required to be lodged or, as the case may be, the date when the person convicted was released from custody or the date when the fine was imposed. In addition, a person is not disqualified for acquiring or exercising rights of foreign citizenship or declared allegiance to
1919-511: A robust constitution. Approximately half of the world's sovereign states are currently unicameral. The People's Republic of China is somewhat in-between, with a legislature and a formal advisory body. China has a Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference which meets alongside the National People's Congress , in many respects an advisory "upper house". Many subnational entities have unicameral legislatures. These include
2020-625: A unicameral legislature, but the measure did not pass the Senate. Because of legislative gridlock in 2009, former Congressman Rick Lazio , a prospective candidate for governor, has proposed that New York adopt unicameralism. The United States as a whole was subject to a unicameral Congress during the years 1781–1788, when the Articles of Confederation were in effect. The Confederate States of America , pursuant to its Provisional Constitution, in effect from February 8, 1861, to February 22, 1862,
2121-537: Is also the smallest legislature of any US state. A 2018 study found that efforts to adopt unicameralism in Ohio and Missouri failed due to rural opposition. There was a fear in rural communities that unicameralism would diminish their influence in state government. Local government legislatures of counties, cities, or other political subdivisions within states are usually unicameral and have limited lawmaking powers compared to their state and federal counterparts. Some of
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#17327823834692222-683: Is bicameral, all local legislatures are unicameral: the Bangsamoro Parliament , the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Boards), Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Councils), Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Councils), Sangguniang Barangay ( Barangay Councils), and the Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Councils). The Nebraska Legislature (also called the Unicameral) is the supreme legislative body of
2323-528: Is dissolved , or before that if their seats become vacant for one of the following reasons: NMPs must vacate their Parliamentary seats if they stand as candidates for any political party in an election or if they are elected as MPs for any constituencies. A person whose seat in Parliament has become vacant may, if qualified, again be elected or appointed as a Member of Parliament from time to time. Any person who sits or votes in Parliament, knowing or having reasonable ground for knowing they are not entitled to do so,
2424-406: Is in session . The first session of a particular Parliament commences when Parliament meets after being formed following a general election. A session ends when Parliament is prorogued (temporarily suspended) or dissolved . The maximum term of each Parliament is five years, after which Parliament automatically dissolves. A general election must then be held within three months. The quorum for
2525-551: Is in office. The Speaker may at any time resign by writing to the Clerk of Parliament. The Speaker must vacate the office Parliament shall from time to time elect two Deputy Speakers. Whenever the office of a Deputy Speaker is vacant for a reason other than a dissolution of Parliament, Parliament shall, as soon as is convenient, elect another person to that office. As with the Speaker, a Deputy Speaker may be elected either from among
2626-598: Is liable to a penalty not exceeding $ 200 for each day that they sit or vote. Any question whether any MP has vacated a seat, or, in the case of a person elected as Speaker or Deputy Speaker from among non-MPs, ceases to be a citizen of Singapore or becomes subject to any of the disqualifications specified in Article 45, is to be determined by Parliament, the decision of which on the matter is final. This does not mean that an MP retains his or her Parliamentary seat despite being under some disqualification until Parliament has made
2727-484: Is no senate or upper house . At present, the effect of the Constitution of Singapore and other legislation is that there can be a maximum of 105 MPs. Ninety-three are elected by the people while up to 12 Non-constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs) and up to nine Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs) may be appointed. After the 2020 general election , 93 MPs were elected and two NCMPs were appointed (or, in
2828-647: Is otherwise unable to perform the functions conferred by the Constitution, these functions may be performed by a Deputy Speaker. If there is no Deputy Speaker or the Deputy Speaker is absent or unable to perform the functions, they may be carried out by some other person elected by Parliament for the purpose. The Speaker of Parliament was Tan Chuan-Jin , who was last appointed Minister for Social and Family Development , with effect from 11 September 2017. On 17 July 2023, Jessica Tan became Acting Speaker of
2929-611: Is the fourteenth. Parliament is sometimes used loosely to refer to Parliament House , which is the seat of the Parliament of Singapore. On 6 February 1819, Sultan Hussein Shah and the Temenggung of Johor , Abdul Rahman Sri Maharajah, entered into an agreement with Sir Stamford Raffles for the British East India Company to establish a " factory " or trading post on the island of Singapore . Raffles, who
3030-407: The 2020 general election , 93 (currently 87) MPs and two NCMPs from three political parties were elected to the 14th Parliament . Throughout the sitting of Parliament, nine NMPs are usually appointed by the president on a biennial basis. The Speaker of Parliament has overall charge of the administration of Parliament and its secretariat, and presides over parliamentary sittings. The Leader of
3131-619: The Attorney-General's Chambers . This block was gazetted as a national monument on 14 February 1992. The building was built not only as a venue for parliamentary debates, but also a research centre and meeting place for the members of parliament (MPs), as well as a place of interest for students and the general public. Due to its setting in the richly historical area, the building's overall design harks back to its more historical neighbours with its slate grey external colour scheme and liberal use of accentuated columns reflective of
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3232-851: The East India Company . This made them subordinate to Fort William in Calcutta (now Kolkata ), the capital of the Bengal Presidency. By a treaty of 19 November 1824, the Sultan and Temenggung of Johor ceded Singapore to the East India Company. In 1826, the company constituted Malacca, Prince of Wales Island (now Penang ) and Singapore into the Presidency of the Straits Settlements with Penang as
3333-490: The Minnesota Legislature into a single chamber. Although debated, the idea was never adopted. The US territory of Puerto Rico held a non-binding referendum in 2005 . Voters approved changing its Legislative Assembly to a unicameral body by 456,267 votes in favor (83.7%) versus 88,720 against (16.3%). If both the territory's House of Representatives and Senate had approved by a 2 ⁄ 3 vote
3434-700: The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), and Low Thia Khiang from the Workers' Party (WP). On 6 January 1992 during a Parliamentary debate on the election of the Speaker of Parliament, the Leader of the House Wong Kan Seng said that he proposed to treat Chiam, then the SDP's secretary-general, as the "unofficial Leader of the Opposition" and that the House should give him "due courtesy and precedence among Opposition MPs". He likened
3535-576: The Supreme Court 's building across the road. The building was designed to represent a contemporary architectural expression of stateliness and authority . The prism -shaped top, designed by President Ong Teng Cheong , was similarly a modernist take on the traditional dome. The space constraints faced by the Old Parliament House were felt since the early 1980s, when the members of parliament grew from 51 in 1963 to 75 in 1983,
3636-525: The Westminster model , the Leader of the Opposition is the MP who is the leader of the largest opposition party able and prepared to assume office if the Government resigns. This political party often forms a Shadow Cabinet , the members of which serve as opposition spokespersons on key areas of government. This is taken into consideration by the Speaker when seats in Parliament are allocated, and during
3737-433: The colonnade design common in classical architecture . The main entrance from North Bridge Road is preceded by a grand ceremonial driveway flanked by palm trees , an iconic tree peculiar to the tropical region and complemented by fountain pools. The building's grand foyer is topped by the timber atrium , seen from the outside as the building's signature prism-shaped pinnacle. With 100 seats and room for 20 more,
3838-472: The flag of Singapore was lowered for the last time at the old Parliament House, before the ceremonial "walk over" was conducted from the old building to the new. Led by the Speaker of Parliament and the Prime Minister, the entourage of MPs walked along Parliament Place , a renamed segment of High Street, Singapore , before reaching the new Parliament House where the flag was unfurled and hoisted with
3939-733: The provinces of Nepal , all of the Spanish autonomous communities , both of the autonomous regions of Portugal , most of the states and union territories of India , and all of the states of Brazil and Germany . In the United Kingdom , the devolved Scottish Parliament , the Welsh Senedd , the Northern Ireland Assembly , and the London Assembly are also unicameral. Though the current Congress of
4040-469: The 13 colonies which became independent, such as Pennsylvania , New Jersey and New Hampshire had initially introduced strong unicameral legislature and (relatively) less powerful governors with no veto power. Pennsylvania's constitution lasted only 14 years. In 1790, conservatives gained power in the state legislature, called a new constitutional convention, and rewrote the constitution. The new constitution substantially reduced universal male suffrage, gave
4141-736: The Bengal Presidency's control by the East India Company . In 1833, the Government of India Act passed by the British Parliament created a local government for the whole of India made up of the Governor-General and his counsellors. They were collectively known as Governor-General of India in Council and had the sole power to pass laws for the Straits Settlements. However, India's slow response to problems in
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4242-641: The British High Commissioner to Singapore, who would only exercise it in an emergency. Marshall resigned as chief minister in June 1956, and was replaced by Lim Yew Hock . The following year, Lim led another delegation to the United Kingdom for further talks on self-governance . This time, agreement was reached on the composition of an Internal Security Council. Other constitutional arrangements were swiftly settled in 1958, and on 1 August
4343-542: The Executive Council, seven official members, between two and four unofficial members, and nine elected members. The governor continued to hold a veto and certain reserved powers over legislation. As there was a majority of official members in the council, the constitution was criticised for not allowing locals to play an effective role in public affairs. Governor Franklin Charles Gimson therefore formed
4444-522: The House is an MP appointed by the prime minister to arrange government business and the legislative programme of Parliament, while the Leader of the Opposition (LO) is the MP who leads the largest political party not in the government. Some of Parliament's work is carried out by select committees made up of small numbers of MPs. Standing select committees are permanently constituted to fulfil certain duties, and ad hoc select committees are established from time to time to deal with matters such studying
4545-474: The MPs who are neither Ministers nor Parliamentary Secretaries or from among persons who are not MPs, but those in the latter category must have the qualifications to be elected an MP. Deputy Speakers may resign their office in the same way as the Speaker, and must vacate their office in the same circumstances. If there is no one holding the office of Speaker, or if the Speaker is absent from a sitting of Parliament or
4646-449: The Parliament of Singapore while the new speaker is nominated at the next parliament sitting on 2 August 2023. This came after Tan Chuan-Jin resigned as Speaker following revelations of an extramarital affair. At the open of the parliament sitting on 2 August 2023, Seah Kian Peng was appointed and sworn in as the 11th Speaker of Singapore. The Leader of the House is an MP appointed by the Prime Minister to arrange government business and
4747-545: The Philippines are elected not per district and state but nationally; the Philippines is a unitary state . The Philippine government's decision-making process, relative to the United States, is more rigid, highly centralised, much slower and susceptible to political gridlock . As a result, the trend for unicameralism as well as other political system reforms are more contentious in the Philippines. While Congress
4848-598: The Philippines is bicameral, the country experienced unicameralism in 1898 and 1899 (during the First Philippine Republic ), from 1935 to 1941 (the Commonwealth era) and from 1943 to 1944 (during the Japanese occupation ). Under the 1973 Constitution, the legislative body was called Batasang Pambansa , which functioned also a unicameral legislature within a parliamentary system (1973–1981) and
4949-512: The Republic of Singapore Independence Act 1965, passed on 22 December 1965 and made retrospective to 9 August, declared that the legislative powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Parliament of Malaysia ceased and vested in the president and the Parliament of Singapore respectively. The Parliament of Singapore is unicameral – all Members of Parliament (MPs) make up a single chamber, and there
5050-597: The Settlements such as the ineffective court system and the lack of Straits representation in the Indian legislative council prompted merchants and other prominent people to call for the Settlements to be governed directly by the Colonial Office in London . Finally, on 1 April 1867, the Straits Settlements were separated from the Government of India and became a Crown colony . Under letters patent dated 4 February 1867,
5151-402: The Speaker of Parliament made a statement in the House that Jeyaretnam had ceased to be an MP with effect from 10 November by virtue of having been convicted of an offence and sentenced to a fine of not less than $ 2,000. Jeyaretnam did not object to the statement at the time. Under Article 45(2) of the Constitution, he was disqualified to be an MP until five years had elapsed from the date the fine
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#17327823834695252-632: The Standing Orders of Parliament for the proper conduct of parliamentary business. The Speaker does not participate in debates, but can abstain or vote for or against a motion if entitled to do so by virtue of being an MP. The Speaker also acts as the representative of Parliament in its external relations, welcoming visiting dignitaries and representing Parliament at national events and overseas visits. The Speaker must be elected when Parliament first meets after any general election, before it proceeds to deal with any other business. Similarly, whenever
5353-543: The Straits Settlements were granted a colonial constitution in the usual form. The Governor of the Straits Settlements ruled with the help of an executive council and a legislative council . The executive council was made up of the governor, the commanding officer of the troops in the Straits, and six senior officials—including the colonial secretary , lieutenant-governor of Penang, attorney-general and colonial engineer. The legislative council, in which legislative authority
5454-553: The United Kingdom Parliament passed the State of Singapore Act 1958 ( 6 & 7 Eliz. 2 . c. 59 (UK)), granting the colony full internal self-government. Under Singapore's new constitution, which came into force on 3 June 1959, the Legislative Assembly consisted of 51 elected members and the governor was replaced by the Yang di-Pertuan Negara , who had power to appoint the prime minister who most likely to command
5555-518: The Workers' Party securing ten elected seats in Parliament, this was the best opposition parliamentary result since the nation's independence. Out of the current 93 elected MPs, 26 (about 27.96%) are female. This was an increase from the figure of about 22.47% for the 13th Parliament (before the resignation of Halimah Yacob ), in which 20 of the 89 elected MPs were women. Non-constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs) were introduced in 1984 to ensure
5656-504: The abolition of one of two bicameral chambers, or, as in Sweden , through the merger of the two chambers into a single one, while in others a second chamber has never existed from the beginning. The principal advantage of a unicameral system is more efficient lawmaking, as the legislative process is simpler and there is no possibility of deadlock between two chambers. Proponents of unicameralism have also argued that it reduces costs, even if
5757-485: The authority of the Legislative Assembly, and other ministers of the Cabinet on the prime minister's advice. During the 1959 general election , the People's Action Party (PAP) swept to power with 43 out of the 51 seats in the Assembly, and Lee Kuan Yew became the first prime minister of Singapore. In 1963, Singapore gained independence from Britain through a merger with Malaysia . In the federal legislature, Singapore
5858-429: The bulk of Kansas City ) narrowly voted against, and all other counties voted against the change to unicameralism. In 1970, North Dakota voters voted to call a constitutional convention. In 1972, a change to a unicameral legislature was approved by 69.36-30.64, however, since the voters rejected the new constitution at the same referendum, it never took effect. In 1999, Governor Jesse Ventura proposed converting
5959-611: The capital. The general power to make laws for the Straits Settlements remained with the Supreme Government in India and the Parliament of the United Kingdom ; Penang's legislative power was limited to making rules and regulations relating to duties and taxes that the Settlements was empowered to levy. On 20 June 1830, as a cost-cutting measure, the Straits Settlements ceased to be a separate presidency and were placed under
6060-445: The chairmanship of Sir George William Rendel , which had been appointed to comprehensively review the constitution of the Colony of Singapore, rendered its report. Among other things, it recommended that the Legislative Council be transformed into a legislative assembly of 32 members made up of three ex officio official members holding ministerial posts, four nominated unofficial members, and 25 elected unofficial members. In addition,
6161-532: The current Parliament House on 6 September 1999. The term Parliament is used in a number of different senses. First, it refers to the institution made up of a group of people ( Members of Parliament or MPs) who are elected to discuss matters of state. Secondly, it can mean each group of MPs voted into office following a general election . In this sense, the First Parliament of the independent Republic of Singapore sat from 8 December 1965 to 8 February 1968. The current Parliament, which started on 24 August 2020,
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#17327823834696262-457: The date of the adjudication, declaration or conviction, as the case may be. After that period, the MP must vacate the seat if subject to one of the previously mentioned disqualifications. Otherwise, the MP is entitled to resume sitting or voting in Parliament immediately after ceasing to be disqualified. The above rules do not operate to extend the term of service of an NMP beyond two and a half years. MPs also cease to hold office when Parliament
6363-441: The debate is closed, the speaker puts the question on the motion to the House and calls for a vote. Voting is generally done verbally, and whether the motion is carried depends on the speaker's personal assessment of whether more MPs have voted for than against the motion. MPs' votes are only formally counted if an MP claims a division . Parliament first convened at the Old Parliament House between 1955 and 1999, before moving into
6464-454: The details of bills . In addition, selected backbenchers of the governing People's Action Party (PAP), the current largest political party in Parliament, sit on Government Parliamentary Committees (GPCs) that examine the policies, programmes and proposed legislation of government ministries . The main functions of Parliament are lawmaking, controlling the nation's finances, and ensuring ministerial accountability. Parliament convenes when it
6565-421: The divisions are specified by the prime minister by notification in the Government Gazette . Fourteen of these divisions are Single Member Constituencies (SMCs) and 17 are Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs). GRCs were introduced in 1991 for the purpose of ensuring representation of the Malay , Indian and other minority communities in Parliament. In a GRC, all the candidates must either be members of
6666-461: The existing parliament house, led by PWD Director Chua Hua Meng and Deputy Director Lee Kut Cheung . In 1992, the project was approved by the government with a budget of S$ 148.2 million. The following year, the Committee on the Parliament Complex Development Project was established, headed by the Speaker of Parliament Tan Soo Khoon , and with Wong Kan Seng , Lee Boon Yang , and Lim Hng Kiang as its members. Tasked to liaise with architects in
6767-419: The first time, non-officials held a majority in the legislature. A new constitution embodying these arrangements came into force on 1 March 1948 and Singapore's first democratic elections were held on 20 March that year. Three out of the six elected seats were won by the Progressive Party . In 1951, three more elected seats were created in the council. In February 1954, the Rendel Constitutional Commission under
6868-511: The governor nominated the others on an ethnic basis: five Europeans, including one each from Penang and Malacca, three Chinese British subjects, one Malay , one Indian and one Eurasian . This system remained in place until Singapore fell to the Japanese in 1942 during World War II . Following the Second World War, the Straits Settlements were disbanded and Singapore became a Crown colony in its own right. The reconstituted Legislative Council consisted of four ex officio members from
6969-470: The governor veto power and patronage appointment authority, and added an upper house with substantial wealth qualifications to the unicameral legislature. Thomas Paine called it a constitution unworthy of America. In 1944, Missouri held a vote on changing the General Assembly to a unicameral one, which was narrowly rejected by the voters 52.42-47.58. Only the city of St. Louis and the St. Louis County voted in favor, whilst Jackson County (containing
7070-480: The governor, but the unofficials could speak and vote as they wished. In 1924, the system was changed such that two unofficial members of the legislative council were nominated by the governor to sit on the Executive Council. In addition, the number of members of the legislative council was increased to 26, with equal numbers of officials and unofficials. The governor retained his casting vote. The Penang and European chambers of commerce each nominated one unofficial, while
7171-455: The highest percentage of votes is entitled to be declared the first NCMP, followed by other opposition candidates in descending order according to the percentages of votes polled by them. If any candidates have an equal percentage of votes and the number of such candidates exceeds the number of NCMPs to be declared elected, the NCMPs are determined as follows: Following the 2020 general election, since ten opposition MPs were elected to Parliament,
7272-669: The idea to build a new parliament house. The project started in earnest in May 1989, when a project team was formed to design and build the new house. Headed by Liu Thai Ker , CEO and Chief Planner of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), it comprised architects and engineers from the URA and the Public Works Department (PWD). Various designs were put forth by PWD architects for the new site next to
7373-431: The interests of the companies or lobby the Government". In essence, PAP party rules clearly define that an MP "must not exploit" his public position for either his or her own personal interest or the benefit of his or her own employer. As of the 2020 general election , for the purpose of parliamentary elections , Singapore was divided into 31 electoral divisions (also known as constituencies). The names and boundaries of
7474-613: The law provides for up to two NCMPs to be declared elected. The seats were taken up by Hazel Poa and Leong Mun Wai of the Progress Singapore Party , who were part of the team that contested in West Coast GRC in the election and were the best performing opposition candidates that did not win in their constituency. In 1990, the Constitution was amended to provide for the appointment of up to nine Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs) to Parliament. The change
7575-399: The legislative programme of Parliament. The leader initiates motions concerning the business of the House during sittings, such as actions to be taken on procedural matters and extending sitting times. The current Leader of the House is Indranee Rajah who has assumed this office on 14 August 2020. She is assisted by Deputy Leader Zaqy Mohammed . In parliamentary systems of government on
7676-453: The minority candidates in each GRC are to be from the Malay, Indian, or other minority communities. At all times there must be at least eight divisions that are not GRCs, and the number of Members of Parliament (MPs) to be returned by all GRCs cannot be less than a quarter of the total number of MPs to be returned at a general election. Each electoral division returns one MP, or if it is a GRC
7777-451: The monthly allowance was S$ 8,375 ($ 100,500 per year). The allowance was revised in 2000 to $ 11,900 ($ 142,800 per year). In 2007, it was announced that civil service salaries had lagged behind those in the private sector and required revision. MPs' salaries were therefore increased in phases. In 2007, the monthly allowance was revised to $ 13,200, raising the annual sum to $ 158,400. A gross domestic product (GDP) bonus payable to civil servants
7878-543: The national anthem being played. The entourage then filed into the new Chamber, where the parliamentary debate resumed. On 4 October 1999, the building was officially opened with a simple ceremony held at the building's foyer , where a stainless steel plaque was unveiled before 100 MPs and invited guests. The new Parliament House was designed by the Public Works Department , and comprises three new blocks (Chamber Block, Front Block and Public Block) integrated with an existing restored building built in 1864 and which once housed
7979-599: The new Chamber features contemporary IT features like an electronic voting system, an integrated congress system, IT terminals and so on. Generous space is devoted to the Strangers' Gallery and the Press Gallery, allowing for more members of the public to observe proceedings. In addition, a new sound-proofed Educational Gallery was built on the top floor of the chamber allowing for staff and teachers to verbally explain live parliamentary proceedings to students, as well as
8080-445: The number of MPs designated for the constituency by the president, to serve in Parliament. A GRC can have a minimum of three and a maximum of six MPs. In other words, a successful voter's single vote in an SMC sends to Parliament one MP, and in a GRC sends a slate of between three and six MPs depending on how many have been designated for that GRC. At present, SMCs return to Parliament 14 MPs and GRCs 79 MPs. All elected MPs are selected on
8181-503: The number of legislators stays the same, since there are fewer institutions to maintain and support financially. More popular among modern-day democratic countries, unicameral, proportional legislatures are widely seen as both more democratic and effective. Proponents of bicameral legislatures say that having two legislative chambers offers an additional restraint on the majority , though critics note that there are other ways to restrain majorities, such as through non-partisan courts and
8282-478: The office of Speaker is vacant for some reason other than a dissolution of Parliament, no business must be transacted other than the election of a person to fill that office. The Speaker may be elected from among the MPs who are not Ministers or Parliamentary Secretaries, but even a person who is not an MP can be chosen. Nonetheless, a candidate who is not an MP must possess the qualifications to stand for election as an MP. The Speaker's salary may not be reduced while he
8383-430: The planning and construction of the building, the committee members also went on two overseas study missions to gather ideas to be incorporated into the building's design. The first trip was made to Australia , where visits were made to the newly built Parliament House in Canberra . Here, extensive attention was paid to public education of the parliamentary system in the form of galleries, moot parliaments. A second visit
8484-431: The president as NMPs. The persons to be nominated must have rendered distinguished public service, or have brought honour to Singapore, or have distinguished themselves in the field of arts and letters, culture, the sciences, business, industry, the professions, social or community service or the labour movement; and in making any nomination, the special select committee must have regard to the need for NMPs to reflect as wide
8585-411: The private sector or even may run their own private business as an entrepreneur. Rules regarding conflict of interest within Parliament, are not defined by Parliamentary codes of conduct but instead the political parties internally define the code of conduct for their representatives within Parliament. Notably, PAP internal rules stipulate that party MPs "should not use their political position to champion
8686-421: The representation in Parliament of a minimum number of MPs from a political party or parties not forming the Government. The number of NCMPs in Parliament is 12 less the number of opposition MPs elected. To be eligible to become an NCMP, a candidate must have polled not less than 15% of the total number of valid votes in the electoral division contested by him or her. The unelected opposition candidate who receives
8787-403: The same political party or independent candidates standing as a group, and at least one of the candidates must be a person belonging to the Malay, Indian or some other minority community. The president, at Cabinet 's direction, declares the electoral divisions that are to be GRCs; the number of candidates (not less than three but not more than six) to stand for Parliament in each GRC; and whether
8888-616: The situation to that in the Legislative Assembly of Singapore in 1955 when the PAP won three out of four contested seats, and Lee Kuan Yew was de facto Leader of the Opposition. After Chiam was replaced by Ling as secretary-general of the SDP in 1993, the latter was referred to as the unofficial Leader of the Opposition. Unicameralism Sometimes, as in New Zealand and Denmark , unicameralism comes about through
8989-538: The specific amendments to the Puerto Rico Constitution that are required for the change to a unicameral legislature, another referendum would have been held in the territory to approve such amendments. If those constitutional changes had been approved, Puerto Rico could have switched to a unicameral legislature as early as 2015. On June 9, 2009, the Maine House of Representatives voted to form
9090-860: The state of Nebraska and territories of Guam and the Virgin Islands in the United States , the Chinese special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao , the Australian state of Queensland as well as the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory , a majority of the provinces of Argentina , all of the provinces and territories in Canada , all of the regions of Italy , all of
9191-474: The state of Nebraska and the only unicameral state legislature in the United States. Its members are called "senators", as it was originally the upper house of a bicameral legislature before the Nebraska House of Representatives dissolved in 1937. The legislature is also notable for being nonpartisan and officially recognizes no party affiliation, making Nebraska unique among US states. With 49 members, it
9292-576: The term of that Parliament. With effect from 1 July 2010, such a decision became unnecessary as NMPs were made a permanent feature in Parliament. A special select committee of Parliament chaired by the Speaker of Parliament is established, and invites the general public to submit names of persons who may be considered for nomination by the Committee. From these names, the special select committee then nominates not more than nine persons for appointment by
9393-750: The terms of the Parliamentary Elections Act, declared elected) to Parliament. Unlike many legislatures in the world, any legislator who is a Member of Parliament in Singapore (representing either the party in Government or in Opposition) and does not possess a portfolio within the executive Cabinet , is free to hold a full-time occupation in the private sector as well as holding executive, advisory and directorship positions within private-sector companies and non-government organisations. In Singapore, Non-Cabinet MPs are commonly employed in
9494-672: Was Lieutenant-Governor of Bencoolen (now Bengkulu , Indonesia ), placed Singapore under Bencoolen's jurisdiction . As Bencoolen was itself a factory subordinate to the Bengal Presidency in British India , only the Governor-General in Council in Bengal was authorised to enact laws for Singapore. On 24 June 1824, Singapore was removed from Bencoolen's control and, together with Malacca , formally transferred to
9595-495: Was allocated 15 out of 127 seats. Under its new State Constitution, Singapore kept its own executive government and legislative assembly. However, with effect from 9 August 1965, Singapore left Malaysia and became a fully independent republic . On separation from Malaysia, the Singapore Government retained its legislative powers, and the Parliament of Malaysia gave up all power to make laws for Singapore. Similarly,
9696-558: Was also extended to MPs to link their annual remuneration to the state of the economy . They would receive no bonus if GDP growth was 2% or less, one month's bonus if the GDP grew at 5%, and up to two months' bonus if the GDP growth reached or exceeded 8%. MPs' allowances to engage legislative and secretarial assistants were also increased from $ 1,000 to $ 1,300 and from $ 350 to $ 500 respectively. With effect from January 2008, each MP received another increase of his or her allowance package to $ 13,710
9797-783: Was governed by a unicameral Congress. Parliament House, Singapore The Parliament House is a public building and a cultural landmark in Singapore . It houses the Parliament of Singapore , and is located in the Civic District of the Downtown Core within the Central Area . Within its vicinity is Raffles Place , which lies across from the Parliament House from the Singapore River , and
9898-506: Was imposed. Jeyaretnam subsequently applied to court for a declaration that, among other things, he had not ceased to be an MP in 1986 and that the Speaker's statement had been ineffective because Parliament itself had not determined that he had vacated his seat. On 9 July 1990, the High Court ruled that Jeyaretnam had ceased to be an MP by operation of law and that no separate determination by Parliament had been necessary. MPs receive
9999-488: Was made to Europe , to incorporate contrasting older, traditional ideas into the building's design. With these ideas incorporated, the new building's concept plan was approved by the Cabinet in 1994. Construction began in 1995 on the expunged Hallpike Street under the direction of PWD Director Chua Hua Meng and Deputy Director Tan Chee Wee , and was completed in July 1999 at a cost of S$ 115.2 million. On 6 September 1999,
10100-477: Was prompted by the impression that the existing two Opposition MPs had not adequately expressed significant alternative views held outside Parliament, and that the scheme would allow the Government to take advantage of the expertise of Singaporeans who were not able or prepared to take part in elections and look after constituencies. Formerly, within six months after Parliament first met after any general election, it had to decide whether there would be any NMPs during
10201-493: Was vested, consisted of the executive council and the chief justice—together known as the official members, and four unofficial members nominated by the governor. As the unofficial members were outnumbered by the official members, they and the governor—who had a casting vote , had effective control of the council. Legislation was generally initiated by the governor, and they had the power to assent to or veto bills . During legislative debates, official members were required to support
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