JapanJoe MeisDylan HoffmanPhil Fischer

Early Japanese GovernmentJapan is a parliamentary democracyJapanese state was founded by

Emperor Jimmu in 660 B.C. First political system had an emperor who ruled by divine right.Japan did not open to any significant Western contacts until 1853.

Early Japanese GovernmentUnited States occupied

Japan for seven years after their defeat in World War II.

During this time social, political, and economic reforms took place.

Japan is now the leading democracy and economic power in the non-Western world.

Tokyo

The ConstitutionAdopted in 1947.Rejects the earlier

scheme of government.

Today, emperor has no power to govern.

Declares the basic freedoms. (Like the USA’s Bill of Rights.)

Japan has only a “self-defense” military force established in 1954.

The National DietJapan’s parliamentHouse of Councillors- upper

houseHouse of Representatives- lower

houseLike Britain, lower house has

more power

House of CouncillorsHas prestige

but little power

Serve an advisory role.

Provide a forum for the country’s leaders to discuss issues of concern.

House of RepresentativesCan make or break prime minister.Lower house has power to make treaties,

raise funds, and appropriate money.Both houses pass billsLower house can override a negative vote in

upper house by passing two-thirds majority.480 seats in lower house

Consensus PoliticsJapanese society places great

emphasis on avoiding confrontation.

Concensus: Broad agreement on public questions.

Executive FunctionsHouse of

Representatives chooses prime minister.

Prime minister appoints members of the cabinet.

Dissolution: The power of the Prime Minister to dissolve the House of Representatives.

The BureaucracyTechnocrats: experts in

administrative affairs.Jobs are highly prized by

Japanese.It plays a key role in Japan’s

economy.

Political PartiesDominated by one party: the

Liberal Democrats.Started in 1955 and was merged

from several parties.

The CourtsIndependent and patterned on

American model.Have the power of judicial review.Rarely strikes down acts of the

Diet.

Regional and Local GovernmentPrefectures: The 47

political subdivisions into which Japan is divided.

Each district has an elected governor.

Prefectures control high schools.

Municipalities elect mayors and deal with local issues.