Scribd
Upload
3 views1 page

Overview of Japan's Political System

The document discusses the new constitution of Japan, which allows for local governance by elected representatives and outlines the political party landscape, highlighting the lack of influence of historical parties. It details the amendment process for the constitution and compares the old and new constitutions, noting significant changes such as the establishment of a secular state and the shift of sovereignty from the Emperor to the people. Additionally, it emphasizes the elaboration of fundamental rights and the transition to a more representative and powerful Diet.

Uploaded by

aprajapati705495
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
3 views1 page

Overview of Japan's Political System

The document discusses the new constitution of Japan, which allows for local governance by elected representatives and outlines the political party landscape, highlighting the lack of influence of historical parties. It details the amendment process for the constitution and compares the old and new constitutions, noting significant changes such as the establishment of a secular state and the shift of sovereignty from the Emperor to the people. Additionally, it emphasizes the elaboration of fundamental rights and the transition to a more representative and powerful Diet.

Uploaded by

aprajapati705495
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

714 AN INTRODUCTION TO POLITICS

Local Government —
Tiie new constitution piovides for tlie
admimstiation of all categoiies of local entities by
the lepiesen- '
j

tatives elected by the local people.


Political P allies —
^There was no well-oiganised pohtical
paity in Japan duiing the pie-war peiiod Although the
Seiyuhat and the Minseito parties weie m
existence, they had
piactically no hold upon the people.
Of the piesent Eight-wmg parties in Japan, mention may
be made of the Libeial Paity and the Demociatic Paity Of the
Left-wing parties, the Social Demociatic Party is the moie
powerful The Communist Party of Japan has been in existence
since 1922 but it has no influence upon the masses

Amendment of the Constitution Proposals for consti- —


tutional amendment may be made only by the Diet Amend-
ments initiated by the Diet if passed by two-thiids or moie of
all the membeis of each House shall thereupon be submitted
to the people for latification Amendments when so ratified
shall immediately be promulgated by the Empeioi in the name
of the people as an mtegial part of the Constitution

Comparative Study of the Old and the New Cdnstitution

1 The New Constitution is more elaborate and more ex-


phcit than the old one
2There was no preamble to the Old Constitution but the
new IS prefaced by a preamble which sets fordh the ideals and
purposes of the government
3 The Pundamental Bights enumerated the New Consti- m
tution are not only moie elaborate and explicit but they have
been made moie effective Special emphasis has been laid on a
number of political and economic rights Enumeration of
citizens’ duties form a novel feature of the new constitution
4 The New Constitution, unlilie the old, has established I

a Seculai State Pull fieedom of religion and conscience has


been guaranteed by the New Constitution
XJndei the old constitution, the Empeioi was vested
5
vith sovereign power, the New Constitution has made the people
soieieign by divesting the Emperor of his sovereign powei,
he
being the symbol of the state and unity of the people
6 The Privy Council, the Genio and such other centres
of conservatism and mihtaiism which flourished under the old
constitution have been replaced by a really responsible mmistiy
under the new constitution
/ The old Diet constituted on the basis
of a very limited
iinncliiic has been leplaced by a Diet wbich
is leally lepiesen-
tativo m character and mote poweiM m its functions

You might also like