Glossary
 
Item Description
Act of Parliament

A Bill passed by Parliament and signed by the President. (See Bill)

Bill It is a draft law. Bills introduced by the Government are known as Government Bills. Those introduced by back benchers are known as private Member's Bills.
Budget The Government's expenditure plan placed before the Parliament every year showing how much money the Government expects to receive and how it intends to raise and spend the money. The Budget is usually considered in February and March of each year.
Cabinet The group consisting of the Prime Minister and Ministers. The Cabinet takes charge of all the Government policies and is collectively accountable to Parliament.
Clerk of Parliament The Clerk of Parliament is appointed by the President after consultation with the Speaker and the Public Service Commission. He advises the Speaker and Members of Parliament on matters of parliamentary practice and procedure. The Clerk is also responsible for the daily administration of the activities of Parliament and its secretariat.
Constitution of the Republic of Singapore The supreme law of Singapore.
Debate A formal discussion in Parliament or Committee in which different views may be expressed.
General Election See Parliamentary Election
Group Representation Constituency (GRC) During parliamentary elections, a constituency may be designated as a GRC contested by a team of between three to six candidates, at least one of whom must be a Malay, Indian or a person belonging to other minority communities. This scheme ensures that minorities will always be represented in Parliament.
Hansard The official report of Parliamentary proceedings, also known as Singapore Parliament Reports.
Leader of the House The Government Member who plans and manages the Government's legislative programme and the arrangement of the business of the House. The Leader also initiates matters of a procedural nature in the House.
Motion A proposal for the House to do something, to order something to be done or to express an opinion on a matter.
Nominated Members of Parliament (NMP) A non-elected Member appointed by the President to provide for a wider representation of independent and non-partisan views in the House. A Special Select Committee chaired by the Speaker selects suitable nominees from a list of candidates proposed by the general public at the Committee's invitation, for the President's appointment. The President may appoint up to nine NMPs. An NMP serves a fixed term of two and a half years. The NMP does not represent any constituency and may vote on all matters except Supply Bills, Money Bills, Constitutional amendments, motions of no confidence in the Government, and motions to remove the President from office.
Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) An opposition candidate polling the highest percentage of votes among losers at the General Election and who is declared elected as an NCMP. The NCMP scheme ensures that there will always be a minimum number of opposition Members of Parliament. If there are less than three elected opposition members, then the "best losers" from among the opposition candidates will be declared elected as NCMPs to bring the total number of opposition Members in Parliament to three. An NCMP holds his seat for the term of the Parliament. An NCMP does not represent any constituency. He is entitled to vote on all matters, except Supply Bills, Money Bills, Constitutional amendments, motions of no confidence in the Government, and motions to remove the President from office.
Opening of Parliament A formal ceremony which marks the commencement of a new Parliament or new session of Parliament. The highlight of the ceremony is the President's Address.
Order Paper A public document containing the agenda for the day's sitting of the House.
Parliament A group of citizens elected or appointed to represent the people for the main purpose of making law. The legislature consists of the President and Parliament.
Parliamentary Elections A process for electing citizens to Parliament.
Question Time The period set aside at the beginning of every sitting where Ministers or Members are asked questions concerning their responsibilities by other Members. These are questions which require a Minister or Member to reply verbally in Parliament.
Select Committee A Committee comprising a group of Members selected by Parliament to inquire into and report on a particular subject.
Serjeant-at-Arms The Serjeant-at-Arms is responsible for maintaining order in the precincts of the House. He is also the custodian of the Mace and performs a ceremonial function as the bearer of the Mace during the Speaker's procession.
Sittings of Parliament Meetings of the House.
Speaker The Speaker is the presiding officer of Parliament and is elected by the House at the beginning of each new Parliament. He regulates debates in the House and enforces the rules governing them. He calls upon Members to speak, proposes and puts the question for the House to debate and vote upon respectively. Members look to him for guidance on matters of practice and procedure and he decides on points of order and gives rulings when required.
Standing Orders Rules approved by the House to regulate its proceedings.
Unicameral Parliament A Parliament consisting of a single House. The Parliament of Singapore is unicameral.
Vote A formal expression by a Member of his will or opinion in regard to a question put by the Speaker.
Whip A party manager in Parliament, responsible for organising Members of his party to take part in debates and votes. The term "lifting of the whip" is used when the party allows its Members of Parliament to vote according to their conscience.


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