11/17/2016

Japanese Government System

General Overview
The Japanese government is a
constitutional monarchy, meaning
it has a monarch (the Emperor),
but their power is limited. The
system is divided into three
branches: The Executive branch,
the Legislative branch, and the
Judicial branch. Also included in
the Japanese government are
local government systems,
though they are heavily
influenced by the national
government.

The Three Branches

Executive
The Prime Minister is chosen by
the Legislative branch. The
Prime Minister then picks his
cabinet from members of the
legislature. The Prime Minister
controls and supervises the
executive branch, and is the
main source of executive
function. He is also the
commander-in-chief. The
National Diet may dismiss the
cabinet with a claim of noconfidence.

Legislative (National Diet)

Bicameral Legislature
comprised of the House of
Representatives and the House
of Councilors. Its members are
elected by a voting system,
and this branch is solely
responsible for law-making. The
house of representatives enact
laws, approve treaties, pass the
budget, and select the prime
minister.

Judicial
Consists of the Supreme court
as well as four other courts.
This branch is independent
from the other two, and court
judges are only removable
through impeachment lead by
the people. The Supreme Court
has a chief justice (appointed
by the Emperor) and 14 other
judges. The other courts are
High court, Family court,
District court, and Summary
court.

The Emperor/Prime Minister

The Emperor of Japan is currently Akihito. The
Emperors main functions in this age are primarily
ceremonially, holding a relatively small amount of
political power. The head of the government is
the Prime Minister, who is currently Shinz Abe
(right). He is the head of the cabinet,
commander-in-chief, and has the power to sign
laws. He has more political power than any other individual in Japan .

11/17/2016