Government Systems and Political Ideologies

Japan

Introduction

A country of culture, a place of the ninjas and shoguns, and a society of technology, that is Japan. In this article, you will be able to learn about the Japanese government systems (constitutional monarchy), with the Diet as the legislative branch, the cabinet headed by the Prime Minister as the executive branch, and the different courts comprising of the Supreme Court, The High Court etc. as the judicial branch.

Japan

Executive Branch

Led by the Prime Minister, the executive branch of the Japanese government system, called the cabinet, consists of the cabinet Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is designated by the Diet, the legislative branch of the government, and the rest of the ministers and officials in the cabinet are appointed and dismissed by the Prime Minister.
The powers of the cabinet consist of two types: one of which is exercised via the emperor, and its own explicit powers.
Under the powers exercised by the emperor includes: the convocation of the Diet, dissolution of the House of Representatives, proclamation of general elections to the Diet, and conferring of honors.
Under the explicit powers, there is the execution of the law, conduct of foreign affairs, conclusion of treaties, administration of the civil service, drafting of the budget, adoption of cabinet orders, granting of general amnesty, commutation of punishment, reprieve, and restoration rights, signing of law or cabinet order and the appointment of judges of the Supreme Court.

Legislative Branch

The legislative branch of Japan’s government system is the National Diet of Japan. The Diet consists of a lower house and an upper house, being the House of Representatives and The House of Councilors respectively.
The upper house, which is the house of councilors, consists of 242 members who serves 6 years terms, of which 146 are elected from 47 prefectural constituencies by the ‘Single Non- Transferable Vote’ while the rest are elected by party list PR from a single national list.
The lower house, which is the House of Representatives, has 480 seats and members, who serve 4 years terms. 300 of these seats are elected from single member constituencies while the others are elected from 11 multi member constituencies by a system of proportional representation.
The diet, being the “highest organ of state power” and the “sole law-making organ of the State” under Article 41 of the Constitution, contains powers that affect the country in a big way. The powers of the diet include the making of law and the approval of the annual budget submitted by the government, the ratification of treaties, initiate draft constitutional amendments, ability to conduct investigation with relation to government, designation of Prime Minister (showing its control over the executive branch), the power to dissolve the government if a motion of no confidence is passed by the diet with fifty members and the power to impeach judges convicted of criminal or irregular conduct.
The emperor of Japan is also under the legislative branch, but often with the use of representing the unity and symbol of Japan.
If there happens a case of the two houses disagreeing on the issues of budget, treaties or designation of Prime Minister, the House of Representatives has the authority to insist on its decision. For all other issues, the House of Representatives can override the House of Councilors with a two thirds majority.

Judicial Branch

The judicial branch of the government system of Japan consists of all the courts and judges, with the purpose of upholding the law created by the nation diet.
There are 438 summary courts with the purpose of handling small civil cases and minor criminal offences.
There is one district court per prefecture except for Hokkaido which has 4, with the purpose of felony and civil cases with claims of more than 1400000 yen and bankruptcy hearings.
There are 8 high courts, as well as some branch offices serving as an appeal from district or summary courts.
Then, there is the Supreme Court, acting as the highest court in Japan. There is a ‘Grand Bench’ of the Supreme Court, consisting of 15 justices, appointed by the Cabinet with the approval of the Emperor even though the Emperor cannot reject. Appeals from high courts must have an error in interpretation of the Constitution or case law to be approved by ‘petty benches’ consisting of 5 justices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Constitutional Monarchy of Japan shows us that the Emperor has limited power, acting mainly as a symbol of unity for Japan. It is mainly based on democracy, with the legislative branch seemingly having a larger share of power. If another kind of system such as communism were to be implemented in Japan, it would most likely not work due to the high speed of advancement in Japan in terms of economy and technology, while communism is known to moderate this speed throughout the whole country, slowing the country down.

References

Cabinet of Japan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2008, March 1). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabinet_of_Japan.

Caraway, B. (2006, Jan. 21). The Japanese Government. Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.koreanhistoryproject.org/Jta/Jp/JpGOV0.htm.

Coutsoukis , P. (2000, November 1). Japan Government 2000 - Flags, Maps, Economy, Geography, Climate, Natural Resources, Current Issues, International Agreements,Population, Social Statistics, Political System. Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.photius.com/wfb2000/countries/japan/japan_government.html.

Darlington, R. (2007, Aug. 1). Japanese political system. Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.rogerdarlington.me.uk/Japanesepoliticalsystem.html.

Diet of Japan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2008, March 7). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diet_of_Japan.

Government of Japan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2008, March 26). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_of_Japan.

Japan Executive branch - Government. (2007, Apr. 17). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.indexmundi.com/japan/executive_branch.html.

Japan Judicial branch - Government. (2007, Apr. 17). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.indexmundi.com/japan/judicial_branch.html.

Japan Legislative branch - Government. (2007, Apr. 17). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://indexmundi.com/japan/legislative_branch.html.

Japan's Government - In Depth. (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.japan-101.com/government/government_in_depth.htm.

Japan's Legislative Branch, The House of Councillors, Exchange Rates. (2006). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.gocurrency.com/articles/stories-japan-diet.htm.

Judicial system of Japan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2008, March 13). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judicial_system_of_Japan.

Politics of Japan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2008, March 19). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Japan.

Prime Minister of Japan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2008, March 11). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Japan.

The Japanese Judicial System. (1999, July). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/judiciary/0620system.html.

Spencer, G. M. (1986). Times Handbook of Modern Politics . United State of America: Federal Publications.

	Japan Introduction A country of culture, a place of the ninjas and shoguns, and a society of technology, that is Japan. In this article, you will be able to learn about the Japanese government systems (constitutional monarchy), with the Diet as the legislative branch, the cabinet headed by the Prime Minister as the executive branch, and the different courts comprising of the Supreme Court, The High Court etc. as the judicial branch. Executive Branch Led by the Prime Minister, the executive branch of the Japanese government system, called the cabinet, consists of the cabinet Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is designated by the Diet, the legislative branch of the government, and the rest of the ministers and officials in the cabinet are appointed and dismissed by the Prime Minister. The powers of the cabinet consist of two types: one of which is exercised via the emperor, and its own explicit powers. Under the powers exercised by the emperor includes: the convocation of the Diet, dissolution of the House of Representatives, proclamation of general elections to the Diet, and conferring of honors. Under the explicit powers, there is the execution of the law, conduct of foreign affairs, conclusion of treaties, administration of the civil service, drafting of the budget, adoption of cabinet orders, granting of general amnesty, commutation of punishment, reprieve, and restoration rights, signing of law or cabinet order and the appointment of judges of the Supreme Court. Legislative Branch The legislative branch of Japan’s government system is the National Diet of Japan. The Diet consists of a lower house and an upper house, being the House of Representatives and The House of Councilors respectively. The upper house, which is the house of councilors, consists of 242 members who serves 6 years terms, of which 146 are elected from 47 prefectural constituencies by the ‘Single Non- Transferable Vote’ while the rest are elected by party list PR from a single national list. The lower house, which is the House of Representatives, has 480 seats and members, who serve 4 years terms. 300 of these seats are elected from single member constituencies while the others are elected from 11 multi member constituencies by a system of proportional representation. The diet, being the “highest organ of state power” and the “sole law-making organ of the State” under Article 41 of the Constitution, contains powers that affect the country in a big way. The powers of the diet include the making of law and the approval of the annual budget submitted by the government, the ratification of treaties, initiate draft constitutional amendments, ability to conduct investigation with relation to government, designation of Prime Minister (showing its control over the executive branch), the power to dissolve the government if a motion of no confidence is passed by the diet with fifty members and the power to impeach judges convicted of criminal or irregular conduct. The emperor of Japan is also under the legislative branch, but often with the use of representing the unity and symbol of Japan. If there happens a case of the two houses disagreeing on the issues of budget, treaties or designation of Prime Minister, the House of Representatives has the authority to insist on its decision. For all other issues, the House of Representatives can override the House of Councilors with a two thirds majority. Judicial Branch The judicial branch of the government system of Japan consists of all the courts and judges, with the purpose of upholding the law created by the nation diet. There are 438 summary courts with the purpose of handling small civil cases and minor criminal offences. There is one district court per prefecture except for Hokkaido which has 4, with the purpose of felony and civil cases with claims of more than 1400000 yen and bankruptcy hearings. There are 8 high courts, as well as some branch offices serving as an appeal from district or summary courts. Then, there is the Supreme Court, acting as the highest court in Japan. There is a ‘Grand Bench’ of the Supreme Court, consisting of 15 justices, appointed by the Cabinet with the approval of the Emperor even though the Emperor cannot reject. Appeals from high courts must have an error in interpretation of the Constitution or case law to be approved by ‘petty benches’ consisting of 5 justices. Conclusion In conclusion, the Constitutional Monarchy of Japan shows us that the Emperor has limited power, acting mainly as a symbol of unity for Japan. It is mainly based on democracy, with the legislative branch seemingly having a larger share of power. If another kind of system such as communism were to be implemented in Japan, it would most likely not work due to the high speed of advancement in Japan in terms of economy and technology, while communism is known to moderate this speed throughout the whole country, slowing the country down. References Cabinet of Japan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2008, March 1). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabinet_of_Japan. Caraway, B. (2006, Jan. 21). The Japanese Government. Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.koreanhistoryproject.org/Jta/Jp/JpGOV0.htm. Coutsoukis , P. (2000, November 1). Japan Government 2000 - Flags, Maps, Economy, Geography, Climate, Natural Resources, Current Issues, International Agreements,Population, Social Statistics, Political System. Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.photius.com/wfb2000/countries/japan/japan_government.html. Darlington, R. (2007, Aug. 1). Japanese political system. Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.rogerdarlington.me.uk/Japanesepoliticalsystem.html. Diet of Japan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2008, March 7). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diet_of_Japan. Government of Japan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2008, March 26). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_of_Japan. Japan Executive branch - Government. (2007, Apr. 17). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.indexmundi.com/japan/executive_branch.html. Japan Judicial branch - Government. (2007, Apr. 17). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.indexmundi.com/japan/judicial_branch.html. Japan Legislative branch - Government. (2007, Apr. 17). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://indexmundi.com/japan/legislative_branch.html. Japan's Government - In Depth. (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.japan-101.com/government/government_in_depth.htm. Japan's Legislative Branch, The House of Councillors, Exchange Rates. (2006). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.gocurrency.com/articles/stories-japan-diet.htm. Judicial system of Japan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2008, March 13). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judicial_system_of_Japan. Politics of Japan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2008, March 19). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Japan. Prime Minister of Japan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2008, March 11). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Japan. The Japanese Judicial System. (1999, July). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/judiciary/0620system.html. Spencer, G. M. (1986). Times Handbook of Modern Politics . United State of America: Federal Publications.
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A to Z government systems A system where a Government is unnecessary and undesirable whichmeans that everything is based on voluntary cooperation by individuals and groups A system where a Government is unnecessary and undesirable which means that everything is based on voluntary cooperation by individuals and groups One person who has absolute rule over a country or a state and is usually hereditary or they claim as being given divine right with or without advisors. A system combining Anarchism and capitalism A system where there is no State or capitalism A system combing Anarchism and savagery where savagery means acceptance comes easily. A system where there are no hierarchies such as political or economic hierarchies. A system where labour is emphasized and thus it has trade unions that replace the State A system where there is more democratic decision-making A government with only a few people who are thought to be best qualified. A system where the people vote on the legislation and executive bills instead of electing leaders to do it for them. A concentration of power in a leader who is not constitutionally responsible to the people A one person government. A system that is ruled by enlightened monarchs. A system that is suitable for Islams as this system represents the political unity of the Muslims A system that combines republic and capitalism together. A system where the health of the community is the first priority A system where there is no such thing as a private property because the goods are owned by the government and is available to anyone if needed A system where many opinions are taken into consideration before making decisions The system of Constitutional Monarchy has a Head of State that does not change as the governments change and a Government. Only the elected Officials can pass laws, the Head of State acts as an advisor to the Officials. Leaders are elected by the people but the leaders have a limited power over the people and must go according to constitutional laws A system where there are civic assemblies which represents the country's economic, social, industry and cultural aspects A system where the making of laws must arise from the public if not the law cannot be approved. A system where there is democratic representations in a country without the use of elections. A democratic republic is a country where there is freedom of speech, election and press. A system where two rulers have equal shared absolute power over the country Government organization or group in with unlimited power A true democratic system where the people elect their leaders System where ruler with absolute power over the country. A system similar to that of tyranny where all is controlled by one man. A system ruled by dukes or duchesses A system combining Anarchism but with saving the environment as their first priority. A monarchy whose ruler is elected by the people. A monarchy that is Arab-suited A system that concentrates on the society's welfare as a whole and thus seeks patriotism. A system used by the medieval age where warriors and nobility rule. A system where the oldest are the leaders A system ruled by grand dukes or grand duchesses A system where the power lies with the loser level of government such as the name suggests, grassroots A system for the Jews because non-Jews would not be granted full citizenship. A monarchy where the kingship is passed to the sons when the father dies. A system with the Pope as its leader. A system where the people elect their leaders but the leaders have the freedom to do what they want. A system combining democracy with a religion, Islam A name that is given to many Muslim countries Government by those who want power and personal gain. A system where judges rule and rules by natural rights A system where judges rule but based on the judges opinions A system where the people elect the leaders to make decisions for them. A system which emphasizes on liberty, freedom for the people. A system where absolute power is given to magicians and wizards A government where females rule. Government by those with talent. A system where military force is used to establish freedom and liberty. A military-based government that has absolute rule over the country A system combining oligarchy, democracy and monarchy. A democratic system where there are no government parties. A small group which makes up the government which is usually corrupted and do things for their own sake. Government by the majority. A system where the people are allowed to coose whatever government system they want. A system similar to the parliamentary system except that the head of state does not have that much power. A system where the parliament checks on the executive branch of the government A system where voting is limited and where politicians take care of the governing of the country A system where the people vote on the legislation and executive bills instead of electing leaders to do it for them. Timocracy, Government controlled by the rich. A state where government uses police by means to control the life of the citizens. A monarchy where the monarch's title is linked to the people. A system where the executive branch is independent of the legislative branch. A monarchy where the monarch's title is prince A system combining democracy and religion A system where the government is elected by the people and the government has the responsibility in acting in people's interest. A system where there is restricted democracy A system where robots rule One person who proclaims himself as king which would usually lead to hereditary monarchy. A system similar to that of a presidential system except for the fact that the president and prime minister gets involved in everyday decision-making. A system where there is only 1 government party running the country and no other party is allowed to enter for elections. A system combining socialism and democracy A system that emphasizes on socialism that also has aspects of free market in its economy. A democratic system where workers are represented in government too. A system where the rulers are those highly-skilled and qualified. Maritime (relating to navigation or commerce on the sea) government Government of a state by divine rule, usually by people who are guided by the deities Government of a state by God. A democratic system where the leader is elected but has absolute rule. Absolute state which the people must follow orders from. Tribalism existed during the time of primitive men. Thus, it has a sense of primitive in it. However, it also emphasizes on communism and equality. A government ruled by an oppressive and severely unjust ruler. A system with administrative divisions governed by a person who is governed by the viceroy. A system combining democracy and parliamentary system which is somewhat similar to the United nations is adopting Auto: Manual: Drag Me