GOVERNMENTAL STRUCTURE - Web Japan

Web Japanhttp://web-japan.org/GOVERNMENTAL STRUCTUREChanging with the timesDiet BuildingCompleted in 1936, theDiet Building is built fromdomestically quarriedgranite and covers anarea of 13,356 squaremeters inNagatacho,Tokyo.（Photo courtesy ofAFLO）Separation of PowersThe Constitution of Japan, which came intoeffect in 1947, is based on the principles ofpopular sovereignty, respect for fundamentalhuman rights, and the advocacy of peace.Japan’s political system is one ofconstitutional democracy. In accordance withthe principle of “separation of powers,” theactivities of the national government areformally divided into legislative, judicial, andexecutive organs.1GOVERNMENTAL STRUCTUREThe emperor is “the symbol of the State andunity of the people.” The emperor appointsthe prime minister based on the nomination ofthe Diet, chief judge of the Supreme Courtbased on the appointment of the Cabinet, andperforms “only such acts in matters of state”as provided for in the constitution along withthe advice and approval of the cabinet, suchas promulgation of amendments of theconstitution, laws, cabinet orders and treaties,convocation of the Diet, dissolution of theHouse of Representatives, and so forth.The Constitution of Japan proclaims asystem of representative democracy in which

The Prime Minister’s official residence andworkplaceCabinet meetings are held here.(Photo courtesy of AFLO)the Diet is “the highest organ of state power.”It is formally specified that the Diet, as thecore of Japan’s system of governance, takesprecedence over the government’s executivebranch. The designation of the prime minister,who heads the executive branch, is done byresolution of the Diet. Japan practices asystem of parliamentary cabinet by which theprime minister appoints the majority of thecabinet members from among members ofthe Diet. The cabinet thus works in solidaritywith the Diet and is responsible to it. In thisrespect, the system is similar to that of GreatBritain, but different from that of the UnitedStates, where the three branches ofgovernment are theoretically on a level ofperfect equality.The Diet is divided into two chambers: thelowerchamber,ortheHouseofRepresentatives, and the upper chamber, orthe House of Councilors. The House ofRepresentativesmayintroduce“noconfidence motions” with respect to thecabinet. The cabinet, on the other hand, isable to dissolve the House of Representatives.It also has the authority to designate the chiefjudge and appoint the other judges of theSupreme Court. It is the Supreme Court thatdetermines the constitutionality of any law orofficial act. The constitution authorizes theDiet to “set up an impeachment court fromamong the members of both houses in orderto try any judges against whom removalproceedings have been instituted.”House of RepresentativesThe Diet is divided into the House of Representatives and the House ofCouncilors. Only citizens 25 years old and over are eligible for electionInto the House of Representatives.2GOVERNMENTAL STRUCTUREThe Diet as the LegislativeBranch of GovernmentJapan’s Diet is designated in the constitutionas “the highest organ of state power.” TheDiet is made up of members who are directlyelected by citizens of at least 18 years of age.The political parties, to which almost all Dietmembers belong, are the basic units ofpolitical activity. Thus Japan is said topractice party politics. The prime minister ischosen by the Diet from among its members.The prime minister then forms a cabinet, andthe cabinet controls the executive branch ofgovernment.The Diet is the “sole law-making organ ofthe State.” All legislations must follow aprocess leading to final approval in the Diet.The Diet has additional important functions,such as approving the national budget,ratifying international treaties, and setting inmotion any formal proposals for amending theconstitution. Three categories of Dietsessions are held: ordinary, extr

perfect equality. The Diet is divided into two chambers: the lower chamber, or the House of Representatives, and the upper chamber, or the House of Councilors. The House of Representatives may introduce “no-confidence motions” with respect to the cabinet. The cabinet, on the other hand, is able to dissolve the House of Representatives.