早期新加坡有多黨體制，設立的是議會民主，仿照西敏式，議員任期5年，其後進行改選。國會是一院制，行政權由內閣執行，並集體向國會負責。自從1959年大選之後，人民行動黨在新加坡政治上占優勢，李光耀擔任第一任首相。當社會民主黨作為反對黨離開國會後，人民行動黨成為執政黨，並且贏得1968、1972、1976與1980年的大選，迄今新加坡是一個事實上由人民行動黨主導的國家。人民行動黨作為執政黨，其成功主要歸功於經濟的發展和廉能的行政。除此之外，人民行動黨使用了審查制度、根據利已原則依法劃分選區、對反對黨施以提告，特別是人民行動黨掌控權力的方式，採取改變選舉制度以不利於反對黨贏得議席，像集體選區、提名議席等。

In Singapore there was a multi-party system in early time. A parliamentary democracy was set up, with a Westminister system. The term of any member of parliament is five years, after which a general election must be held. The parliament takes a unicameral form. Executive power is exercised by the cabinet and it is collectively responsible to parliament. The People's Action party dominated Singaporean politics since 1959 general election when Lee Kuan Yew became Singapore's first prime minister. As the opposition Barisan Sosialis Party resigned from parliament, PAP has been in government and won the general elections of 1968, 1972, 1976, and 1980. Until now, Singapore is a de factor PAP dominant state. The success of PAP-government mainly comes from economic development and a clean, corruption-free image. Besides, PAP employs censorship, gerrymandering and the filing of civil suits against the opposition. Especially, PAP cements its hold on power by an electoral system that makes it difficult for opposition parties to gain seats, like group representation constituencies, nominated members of parliament, etc.