JAPANESE GOVERNMENT

Issue 1

kk 1

Japanese
Government

2016
IN THIS ISSUE

Background:
The Japanese constitution came into
effect in 1947. It is based on three
principals: sovereignty of the people,
respect for fundamental human
rights, and renunciation of war. All
citizens can vote once they hit 20
years old. Japan still has an Emperor
which is more of a symbol of Japan
and three branches of government.
The branches include: The Diet, the
Cabinet and the Judiciary.

The Emperor:
The Emperor of Post War II has many
different capabilities than before the
war. The Emperor is now more a
symbolic figure. Is unable to do
anything without permission from
the other branches but is able to
appoint the Prime Minister and Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court.

The Diet
Is composed of two houses: the
House of Representatives and the
House of Councilors. Is the highest
organ of state power. There is 480
seats in the House of
Representatives and 242 in the

House of Councilors. The House of

Representatives is considered the
lower house while the House of
Councilors is considered the upper
house.

The Cabinet
The Cabinet is the executive power.
It includes the Prime Minister 17
other Ministers of State, including
Chief Cabinet Secretary. The Cabinet
is responsible to the Diet. The Prime
Minister is appointed by the Diet and
Emperor and must be a civilian. The
Prime Minister appoints the Ministers
of States and can dismiss them as
he pleases.

Judiciary
The whole judicial power is given to
the Supreme Court and lower courts.
Lower courts include high courts,
district courts, and summary courts.
Summary courts usually deal with
minor violations such as traffic
violations. The Supreme Court
consists of the Supreme Justice and
14 other Justices.

Current Japanese Prime

Minister, Shinz Abe

Sources:
Kids Web Japan. (n.d.). Retrieved July
26, 2016, from http://webjapan.org/kidsweb/explore/governme
nt/
Fundamental Structure of the
Government of Japan. (n.d.).
Retrieved July 26 from
http://japan.kantei.go.jp/constitution
_and_government_of_japan/fundame
ntal_e.html
Prime Minister of Japan (n.d.)
Retrieved Jul 26 from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_
Minister_of_Japan