Singapore is an island republic and is governed by a written constitution (which forms the supreme law of the land, and sets out the functions and duty of the three branches of government). 

The Executive Branch:

Is responsible for the execution and enforcement of the law, as well as the administration of public affairs (all the sub-organizations) 

Consists of the President, the Prime-Minister, and the Cabinet. 

Executive authority is vested in the President, and it is exercisable by him, the Prime-Minister, the cabinet, or any minister authorized by the Cabinet. 

President = Head of State, Prime Minister = Head of Government, and leads the Cabinet. 

The President was a mostly ceremonial role between 1965 – 1991. 

In 1991, following major constitutional amendments, the office of the president became an elected one. The President was conferred certain powers:

1.) Decision rights regarding government spending of reserves, 

2.) Ability to appoint people to certain key public offices. 

The President appoints the Prime Minister, who commands the confidence of the majority of the Member of Parlament (MPs). On the advice of the PM, the President appoints other minsters from the Members of Parlament to form the Cabinet. 

The Cabinet is responsible for all:

– Government policies

– Day to day administration of the affairs of the state. 

– Collectively responsible to the Parliament. 

The Legislative Branch (The Parlament):

Functions include making laws, controlling the state finances, and checking on the actions of the executive branch. 

There are 99 seats in Parlament:

– 87 are elected MPs, 

– 3 are Non-Constituency MPs

– 9 nominated MPs.

MPs are elected into Parlament via the General Election, which are usually held every 5 years. When the General Elections are called for, Parlament is dissolved.

The Judiciary:

Their role is to interpret and apply laws passed by the Legislature. 

The judiciary operates independently from the Legislature and the Executive branch.

There are two tiers to the court system. The Supreme Court, and the State Courts

Supreme Courts consist of:

1.) High Court (where serious crimes exceeding, and civil matter exceeding 250K SGD are heard)

2.) Court of Appeal (where appeals against decisions made by the High Court are heard). 

Head of the Judciary is the Chief Justice, who sits in the Court of Appeal, alongside the Judges of Appeal. 

Other Judges of the Supreme Court, are the Judges of the High Court, and the Judicial Commissioners. 

All judges including the Chief Justice, are appointed by the President. (If he, acting in discretion, concurs with the advice of the Prime Minister). 

State Courts hears cases involving less serious crimes, and civil cases that are below 250K SGD. 

State Courts consist of:

1.) District Courts

2.) Magistrate Courts

3.) Juvinile Courts

4.) Coroners Courts

5.) Small Claims Tribunals.