PDP5 - Constitution of the Empire of Japan

PDP5 - Constitution of the Empire of Japan

Author Bio: The Constitution of the Empire of Japan, also called the Meiji Constitution, did not have a single author, but rather several different authors and foreign advisors who worked on it. However, it is perhaps worth mentioning Hirobumi Ito, who was tasked with researching different constitutions from other countries to help form Japan's constitution. He ended up drawing some main ideas from Prussia's constitution and Britain's Westminster system. Since the main ideas of the Constitution were filtered through him, his bias shows up in the document.

Date/Context: The document was put into effect in 1989 during the rule of Emperor Meiji. This was one of the products of the Meiji Restoration, which began in the 1860s. Many reforms were put in place during this time period, some of which were influenced by Western powers, and Japan flourished and became much more powerful than it had been under its old systems. This constitution was a result of the new ideas people had to improve their country, and while it drew some concepts from the West, it was altogether unique.

Summary: The Meiji Constitution lists the rights and responsibilities of people in power, as well as those of the citizens, whom it calls "subjects." The emperor is the ultimate head of state, and he controls the military and the executive branch of government. The legislative branch is called the Imperial Diet, and consists of a House of Peers, made up of nobility, and a House of Representatives, made up of people elected by the subjects. A Privy Council was made for the emperor to consult, and an independent judiciary was established. Subjects were guaranteed freedom of religion, speech, and the press. The Constitution also talks about the federal budget, and how systems would be temporarily changed in case of an emergency.

Key Quotation: "We deem it expedient...to establish fundamental laws formulated into express provisions of law, so that...Our Imperial posterity may possess an express guide for the course they are to follow, and that...Our subjects shall thereby be enabled to enjoy a wider range of action in giving Us their support, and that the observance of Our laws shall continue to the remotest ages of time."