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Overview of Japanese Political System

The document discusses the amendment process of the constitution in Japan, highlighting that sovereign power now resides with the people rather than the Emperor. It also outlines the historical context of political parties in Japan, noting the emergence of the Seiyukai and Minseito parties and their limited representation of the masses. The introduction of the manhood suffrage Act in 1925 marked a significant shift, leading to the rise of new political consciousness and the formation of the Social Masses Party.

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5 views1 page

Overview of Japanese Political System

The document discusses the amendment process of the constitution in Japan, highlighting that sovereign power now resides with the people rather than the Emperor. It also outlines the historical context of political parties in Japan, noting the emergence of the Seiyukai and Minseito parties and their limited representation of the masses. The introduction of the manhood suffrage Act in 1925 marked a significant shift, leading to the rise of new political consciousness and the formation of the Social Masses Party.

Uploaded by

jayhari261025
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

706 AN INTRODUCTION TO POLITICS

of the majority of the voteis of a local area,


make any special

law applicable only to that paiticular body

Amendment of the Constitution.

The old constitution made the Empeioi the sole autho-


iity to piopose constitutional amendment Accoidmg to
the new constitution soveieign power resides with the people
who alone can amend the constitution Proposals foi cons-
titutional amendment now involves practically three distinct
processes Proposal for amendment is to be made by tiro
(1)

Diet and such a proposal w^hen passed by two-thuds or more


of all the members of each house (11) is to be submitted to
the people for ratification either at a special lefeiendum or
at such elections to be specified by the Diet If passed by a

majority of votes cast m


such election or special refeiendum,
(ill) the amendment is to be immediately promulgated by the

Empeioi in the name an integral part of the


of the people as
constitution Thus popular sovereignty has been combined
with the dignity of the Emperor in the matter of amendment
of the Constitution

Political Parties in Japan.

Political parties m the true sense of the term were non-


existent m
Japan up to the middle of the nineteenth century
The two political parties which came into existence in the
wake of the introduction of the constitution of 1889 and
vhich exerted some influence on Japanese politics "were the
Seiyukai party and the Minseito paity Practically, theie was
little difference between the two parties The former espoused
the cause of the landlords while the latter was the supporter
of the industrialists Both of them drew their funds from the
big businesses but none of them represented
the masses Of
the two, the Seiyiiki party was the more
aggressive in its policy
and pi ogi amines, always making common
cause with the
mihtaiists for the expansion of Japan

Party position m
Japan took a different turn
when 11
,92s, the manhood suffiage Act enfianchised
nearlv nin<
million agiicultuial and factory labomeis
growth of a politically conscioh
This led h A,
and a new party known as Soozal
pioletariat class in
Lm
Masses PaUy cLi Z

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