Constitutional Law of 1890

Definition

The Constitutional Law of 1890, also known as the Meiji Constitution, was the first constitution of Japan, enacted during the Meiji Restoration. This legal framework aimed to modernize Japan and established a constitutional monarchy, outlining the structure of government, the rights of citizens, and the relationship between the emperor and the state. It was significant in shaping Japan's political landscape by combining Western legal concepts with traditional Japanese governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Meiji Constitution was promulgated on February 11, 1889, and went into effect on November 29, 1890.
2. The constitution established a parliamentary system but maintained significant power for the emperor, who had ultimate authority over the military and foreign policy.
3. It included a Bill of Rights that guaranteed certain freedoms to citizens but also contained provisions that allowed for limitations on these rights.
4. The National Diet was created as Japan's legislative body, with members elected by limited suffrage, reflecting a step toward democratic governance while still upholding imperial authority.
5. The constitutional framework lasted until it was replaced by the current Constitution of Japan in 1947, after World War II.

Review Questions

• How did the Constitutional Law of 1890 reflect both Western influence and traditional Japanese governance?
  • The Constitutional Law of 1890 was a blend of Western legal ideas and traditional Japanese elements. It introduced a parliamentary system similar to those found in Europe while maintaining the emperor's ultimate authority, reminiscent of Japan's historical governance. This duality reflected Japan's desire to modernize while preserving its cultural identity, showing an effort to adopt new political structures without completely abandoning its past.
• In what ways did the National Diet established under the Meiji Constitution contribute to Japan's political development?
  • The National Diet served as a significant step toward representative governance in Japan by introducing a bicameral legislature. It allowed for limited public participation through elected representatives, which encouraged political engagement among citizens. However, with the emperor retaining substantial power, it was more a reflection of constitutional monarchy than a fully democratic system, highlighting both progress and limitations in Japan's political development during this era.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Meiji Constitution on Japan's political evolution into the post-war era.
  • The Meiji Constitution laid foundational principles that influenced Japan's political evolution well into the post-war era. By establishing a legislative body and enshrining some rights for citizens, it initiated Japan's journey towards modern governance. However, its limitations in democratic practices highlighted ongoing tensions between imperial authority and popular sovereignty. The eventual replacement by the current Constitution in 1947 marked a complete shift towards democracy but was rooted in the structures and experiences shaped by the Meiji Constitution, illustrating its lasting impact on Japanese politics.

Related terms

Meiji Restoration: A period of rapid modernization and industrialization in Japan from 1868 to 1912, which marked the end of feudalism and the restoration of imperial rule.

Emperor Meiji: The emperor of Japan from 1867 to 1912, who played a key role in the modernization of Japan and the establishment of the Meiji Constitution.

National Diet: The bicameral legislature of Japan established under the Meiji Constitution, consisting of the House of Representatives and the House of Peers.