Omar Bennett
The Meiji Constitution, also known as the Constitution of the Empire of Japan, was enacted after the Meiji Restoration in 1868, and remained in force from 1890 until 1947. The Meiji Constitution was drafted by the Meiji Oligarchs, a group of oligarchs known as the genro, and was largely the handiwork of the elder statesman, Itō Hirobumi. The Meiji Constitution provided for a form of mixed constitutional and absolute monarchy, based on the German and British models, and aimed to define Japan as a modern nation deserving of Western respect while preserving the power of the emperor. The Meiji Constitution was replaced by a new constitution after World War II, which stated that sovereign power resides with the people.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Proclamation | 1889 |
| Year of Enforcement | 1890 |
| Year of Replacement | 1946/1947 |
| Type of Government | Constitutional Monarchy |
| Type of Monarchy | Mixed Constitutional and Absolute Monarchy |
| Inspired by | German and British models |
| Drafted by | Itō Hirobumi |
| Maintained Legal Continuity | Yes |
| Established | Clear limits on the power of the executive branch and the Emperor |
| Established | An independent judiciary |
| Established | Civil rights and civil liberties |
| Provided | A form of modernisation |
| Provided | A form of centralised government |
| Provided | Improved education |
| Provided | An end to feudalism |
| Provided | Increased industrialisation |
| Provided | A strong military and navy |
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What You'll Learn
The Meiji Restoration
Prior to the Meiji Restoration, Japan lacked a unified set of written laws, instead following an unwritten body of rules called ritsuryō, inspired by Chinese political ideals and based on meritocracy. However, by the tenth century, feudal lords and military dictators known as shoguns had usurped much of the emperor's power. This changed with the Meiji Restoration, which restored direct political power to the emperor for the first time in over a millennium. The emperor took the name Meiji, meaning "enlightened rule", reflecting his new role as head of state.
The Meiji Constitution, also known as the Constitution of the Empire of Japan, was created during the Meiji Restoration to define the roles and responsibilities of the emperor, the Diet, and the judiciary. The constitution provided for a form of mixed constitutional and absolute monarchy, based on Western models, particularly the German system. It established a bicameral parliament, with an elected lower house and a prime minister and cabinet appointed by the emperor. While the emperor retained control over the military, foreign policy, and key governmental decisions, the Diet held power over domestic issues.
Overall, the Meiji Restoration was a pivotal event in Japanese history, paving the way for the Meiji Constitution and transforming Japan's political and social landscape. It marked the end of the feudal era and the beginning of Japan's emergence as a modern, global power.
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The Meiji emperor
The Meiji Constitution, also known as the Constitution of the Empire of Japan, was enacted on November 29, 1890, and remained in force until May 2, 1947. It was proclaimed by the Meiji emperor on February 11, 1889, and was the first-ever written constitution of Japan.
The Meiji Constitution was created during the Meiji Restoration, marking a significant shift from a feudal system to a constitutional monarchy. The Meiji Restoration was a political revolution that "restored" the emperor to power, but he did not rule directly. The emperor took the name "Meiji" ("enlightened rule") as his reign name, and this event was known as the Meiji Restoration. The Meiji emperor was restored as the head of Japan in 1868, and his reign ended with his death in 1912.
The Meiji Constitution established a framework that defined the roles and responsibilities of the emperor, the Diet, and the judiciary, allowing for a balance of power. The emperor retained control over the military, foreign policy, and the right to exercise executive authority. The emperor also had the right to appoint and dismiss government officials, declare war, make peace, and conclude treaties. The Diet was empowered to address domestic issues, reflecting a blend of traditional Japanese authority and Western influences.
The Meiji Constitution was drafted primarily by statesman Itō Hirobumi, who was appointed in 1881 to chair a government bureau to research various forms of constitutional government. The constitution was inspired by Western models, particularly the German system, and aimed to modernize Japan's governance to enhance its international standing. The Meiji Constitution played a significant role in Japan's rapid modernization, enabling it to strengthen its military and economy, and ultimately positioning the nation as a formidable global power by the early 20th century.
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The role of Itō Hirobumi
The Meiji Constitution, also known as the Constitution of the Empire of Japan, was enacted on November 29, 1890, and served as Japan's governing document until 1947. It was drafted primarily by statesman Itō Hirobumi, who was empowered by Meiji in 1882 to study world constitutions and find a suitable model for Japan.
Itō Hirobumi played a crucial role in the creation of the Meiji Constitution. In 1881, he was appointed to chair a government bureau to research various forms of constitutional government. The following year, he led an overseas mission to study different systems first-hand. Hirobumi reviewed and rejected the constitutions of the United States, France, and Spain. The British system was considered but ultimately rejected as it was seen as unwieldy and granted too much power to Parliament.
The German system, particularly that of Prussia, was the true model for the Meiji Constitution. Hirobumi and other political leaders made several drafts of the constitution before presenting it to Emperor Meiji in 1888. The document met with the emperor's approval, and he officially endorsed it in 1889, with the constitution coming into effect in 1890.
The Meiji Constitution established a constitutional monarchy, with the emperor sharing power with the parliament, known as the Diet. It also established a three-branch government, consisting of executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The emperor, considered a descendant of gods, retained control over the military, foreign policy, and diplomacy, while the Diet primarily addressed domestic issues. The organizational structure of the Diet reflected Prussian and British influences, with a lower house and an upper house.
The Meiji Constitution was a significant shift from a feudal system to a constitutional monarchy, centralizing power under the emperor while introducing a parliamentary structure. It aimed to modernize Japan's governance and enhance its international standing and transform the country into a modernized international power.
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The influence of Western models
The Meiji Constitution was heavily influenced by Western models, particularly the German system, and aimed to modernise Japan's governance to enhance its international standing. The Meiji Restoration in 1868 provided Japan with a form of constitutional monarchy based on the Prusso-German model, in which the Emperor was an active ruler with considerable political power over foreign policy and diplomacy, shared with an elected Imperial Diet. The organisational structure of the Diet reflected both Prussian and British influences, with a lower house (the House of Representatives) and an upper house (the House of Peers).
The Meiji Constitution was also influenced by the British Westminster system, although it was considered to grant too much power to Parliament. The Reichstag and legal structures of the German Empire, particularly Prussia, were of great interest to the Constitutional Study Mission. The United States Constitution was rejected as too liberal, and the French and Spanish models were rejected as tending towards despotism. Japan sought to create a constitution that would define it as a modern nation deserving of Western respect while preserving the power of the Emperor.
The Meiji era saw a flowering of public discourse on the direction of Japan, with works debating how best to blend the new Western influences with local Japanese culture. Japan's leaders adopted Western models in various fields, including scientific, technological, philosophical, political, legal, and aesthetic ideas. The Meiji period was characterised by the integration of Western cultural forms with an assumed untouched native Japanese spirit, reflecting Japan's search for a place within a world power system dominated by European colonial empires.
The Meiji Constitution was the result of Japan's efforts to modernise and strengthen itself in the face of Western colonising powers. The country underwent sweeping political and social reforms, ending feudalism and establishing a strong centralised government, improved education, increased industry, and a strong military. This transformation was achieved with remarkable speed and cooperation from the people, facilitated by the Meiji Constitution's constitutional framework.
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The impact on Japan's global standing
The Meiji Constitution, enacted on November 29, 1890, served as Japan's governing document until May 2, 1947. The constitution was created during the Meiji Restoration, marking a significant shift from a feudal system to a constitutional monarchy. This transformation empowered Japan to emerge as a formidable global power by the early 20th century.
The Meiji Constitution was instrumental in centralizing power under the emperor, introducing a parliamentary structure, and establishing a balance of power between the emperor, the Diet, and the judiciary. The emperor retained control over the military and foreign policy, and the right to declare war, make peace, and conclude treaties. The Diet, a bicameral legislature, was empowered to address domestic issues. This blend of traditional Japanese authority and modern governance principles reflected Japan's desire to preserve its identity while adopting Western practices.
The Meiji Constitution facilitated Japan's rapid modernization, enabling it to strengthen its military and economy. The country developed a strong centralized government, improved education, ended feudalism, and increased industrialization. The expansion of the military and navy proved advantageous in successful wars, including against Russia, further establishing Japan's global influence.
The Meiji Constitution also introduced civil rights and civil liberties, although they were subject to legal limitations. Citizens gained political participation and voting rights over time, with universal male suffrage achieved in the 1920s. However, the constitution's ambiguity led to a power struggle between authoritarian and liberal-democratic tendencies within the government.
Overall, the Meiji Constitution played a pivotal role in enhancing Japan's global standing, transforming it from an isolated feudal system into a modernized international power with a strong centralized government. It facilitated Japan's emergence as a formidable global force, shaping the nation's trajectory and influence on the world stage.
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Frequently asked questions
The Meiji Constitution was named after the Meiji emperor, who proclaimed the constitution in 1889.
The Meiji Constitution was primarily drafted by statesman Itō Hirobumi.
The Meiji Constitution established the Emperor of Japan as the head of state with executive authority, including the power to appoint and dismiss government officials, declare war, make peace, and conclude treaties. The Emperor also held command over the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy.
The Meiji Constitution established a bicameral legislature known as the Diet, with an elected lower house and an appointed upper house, known as the House of Peers. The Diet was responsible for addressing domestic issues and had limited power compared to the Emperor.
The Meiji Constitution was influenced by various Western models, particularly the German system, with some elements drawn from the British Westminster system. The Japanese leaders rejected the US Constitution as too liberal and the French and Spanish models as tending towards despotism.
