Japan
Published on Nov 19, 2015
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
JAPAN
EMPEROR MEIJI
1868-1912
The Meiji Restoration
When Meiji came to power in 1868 he was only 17. He brought with him a thirst for modernization and change.
The Japanese feudal class system was abolished. Samurais became a thing of the past.
THE SATSUMA REBELLION
OF 1877
Samurais rejected the idea of a commoner army. This created an eight month civil war. More than 6000 people were killed.
On February 11, 1889, a constitutional government was created. However, most of the power rested in the Emperor, the legislature was rather weak.
AFTER WORLD WAR II
The United States installed a parliamentary democracy in Japan. It is a mix of U.S. style democracy and British democracy.
CONSTITUTION ESTABLISHED IN 1947
We,the Japanese people, acting through our duly elected representatives in the National Diet, determined that we shall secure for ourselves and our posterity the fruits of peaceful cooperation with all nations and the blessings of liberty throughout this land,and resolved that never again shall we be visited with the horrors of war through the action of government, do proclaim that sovereign power resides with the people and do firmly establish this Constitution...(163).
THE NATIONAL DIET
There are two houses:
The House of Representatives
And the House of Councilors.
THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
The lower house.
There are 480 members.
Minimum age to stand for election is 25.
4 year term unless dissolved.
It has superiority over the other house when it comes to the appointment of the Prime Minister.
THE HOUSE OF COUNCILORS
The upper house.
There are 242 members.
Minimum age to stand for election is 30.
6 year term.
Both houses have to pass a bill for it to go through.
THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY
The Liberal Democratic Party was the ruling party from 1955 to 2009. For 54 years the Japanese Diet had very little conflict.
THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF JAPAN
In 2009 the Democratic Party of Japan took control of the government. Since then, Japan's Diet has been a divided government.
THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH
Like most parliamentary systems there are two key figures in the executive branch, the Prime Minister and the Emperor.
The Emperor is mostly a figure head, like most parliamentary democracies. The Japanese monarchy is the longest lasting monarchy. They are currently on their 125th emperor, Tsugunomiya Akihito.
The Prime Minister historically has had very little power. He was usually forced to bend to party leadership,until reforms in the last two decades.
The Prime Minister does have the ability to call for a vote of "no confidence". He is elected by the Diet. He appoints Cabinet Ministers. There are twelve Ministries.
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THE JUDICIAL BRANCH
The Japanese judicial branch is very similar to the United States version. It has a Supreme Court, which can declare laws unconstitutional.
Judicial review - the power of a court to declare acts by the government unconstitutional and hence void (557)
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The Japanese economy thrived after World War II. They currently have the world's third largest gross domestic product. They are a major force in the electronics, robotics, and automotive industries.
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In the 1990's Japan experienced a major recession that still effects their economy to this day.
PROBLEMS FACING JAPAN
- Aging population
- Over crowding
- Declining birth rate
- Pollution
