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Government Structure

The present Japanese political system is a much more recent construct dating from Japan's
defeat in the Second World War and its subsequent occupation by the United States.
The post-war constitution of 1947 is an anti-militarist document.
Japan is a democratic country.
The dominant position of one party the Liberal Democratic Party which held power almost
unbroken for more than 50 years.
THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH
Constitutional monarchy
Emperor
Power is very limited
"the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people"
He also appoints the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court as designated by
the Diet and the Cabinet respectively.
The Imperial Throne is dynastic and succeeded from father to son.
Prime Minister
The Prime Minister is chosen for a term of four years
He must win a majority in the Diet in a single signed ballot
The Prime Minister chooses his Cabinet which is limited by a constitutional amendment of 2001
to an additional 14 regular members with the possibility of three special members. At least half
of the Cabinet must be members of the Diet.
THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
Diet
Two houses - the House of Representatives and the House of Councilors, is the highest organ of
state power and the sole law-making organ of the State.
Both Houses have the same power with some exceptional cases in which the decision of the
House of Representatives precedes that of the House of Councilors.
Kokkai or Diet and is a bicameral structure.
The lower house in the Japanese political system is the Shugi-in or House of Representatives.
480 members; 4 years
The House of Representatives has preeminence over the House of Councilors
The House of Representatives can be dissolved by the Prime Minister (like the British House of
Commons) or by a Cabinet no confidence vote.
The upper house in the Japanese political system is the Sangi-in or House of Councilors.
242 members; 6 years
Only half of its membership is re-elected at each election every three years, using a parallel
voting system.
The House of Councilors cannot be dissolved.
The House of Representatives can override a vote of the House of Councilors only by a two-
thirds majority of members present.
Cabinet
Consists of the Prime Minister and not more than 17 Ministers of State
Prime Minister must be a civilian.
The Cabinet has the Cabinet Office and 11 Ministries

POLITICAL PARTIES
Dominated by one party - the conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
The other main party is the social liberal Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ).
If different parties control the two houses, is known in Japan as a "twisted Diet".
Public funding of political parties was introduced in 1994.
Turnout in elections is low, especially among young voters.
Historically the dominance of the Liberal Democratic Party in Japan's political system has
profoundly shaped the nature of politics in this country compared to other democracies.
A notable feature of Japanese politics is the influence of family connections.

THE JUDICIAL BRANCH
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land. The Chief Justice is appointed by the
Emperor following selection by the Cabinet. Fourteen other judges are selected and appointed by
the Cabinet.
Every 10 years, a justice's tenure has to be confirmed by referendum. In practice, the justices are
almost always reselected and are allowed to serve until the age of 70.
Largely based on European civil law, notably that of France and Germany.
Judiciary
Supreme Court, High Courts, District Courts, Family Courts and Summary Courts.
Nor can any organ of the Executive have final judicial power.
Appointed by the Cabinet.

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