In 1889, Japan marked a significant milestone in its political history with the promulgation of its constitution, known as the ‘Constitution of 1889’. This document was the result of four years of meticulous work and was influenced by various international models, including those from Bavaria, England, and the United States. The Constitution of 1889 laid the foundation for the nation’s governance structure, defining the roles and powers of the Emperor and the legislative bodies, and setting the stage for Japan’s modernization.
Overview of the Constitution of 1889
The Constitution of 1889 drew inspiration from the Bavarian Constitution but incorporated elements from the English and American systems. Its primary focus was on delineating the powers and position of the Japanese Emperor, who was enshrined as sacred and inviolable. The Emperor’s role was akin to that of the King of England, serving as the source of all political power. However, the ministers were responsible for the Emperor’s actions, a concept borrowed from the constitutional monarchy of England.
The Divine Status of the Emperor
A unique feature of the Constitution was the divine status attributed to the Emperor. Unlike the English monarch, whose succession could be influenced by Parliament, the Japanese Emperor was considered divine, and his succession was beyond the Diet’s (Parliament’s) control. This divinity placed the Emperor above all other governing bodies and laws within the country.
Executive Power and Constitutional Bodies
The exercise of executive power under the Constitution was channeled through two main bodies: the Council of Ministers and the Privy Council. Members of both these bodies were appointed by the Emperor, emphasizing the centralized nature of power. The Cabinet, formed under the Constitution, was accountable solely to the Emperor, not to the Diet or the public.
The Structure of the Imperial Diet
The legislative branch of the government, known as the Imperial Diet, consisted of two houses: the House of Peers and the House of Representatives. While both houses held equal legislative authority, there was a distinction in their functions, particularly regarding financial legislation, which had to originate from the lower house, the House of Representatives.
Emperor’s Absolute Veto and Financial Control
The Emperor retained absolute veto power over all legislation, a testament to his supreme authority within the governmental framework. Furthermore, the Diet did not have full control over financial matters, indicating a limitation on its power to influence the nation’s fiscal policies.
Amendment of the Constitution
The process of amending the Constitution was also tightly controlled. Any changes to the Constitution required an imperial order before the Diet could consider them. This provision ensured that the Emperor maintained ultimate control over any constitutional reforms.
Questions for UPSC
1. How did the divine status of the Emperor under the Constitution of 1889 impact the balance of power between the monarch and the legislative bodies in Japan?
2. In what ways did the Constitution of 1889 reflect a blend of Western constitutional ideas and traditional Japanese concepts of governance?
3. What implications did the Emperor’s absolute veto power and the restricted financial control of the Diet have on the functioning of the Japanese government during the Meiji era?