Amendment process

Definition

The amendment process refers to the formal procedure by which changes or additions are made to a constitution. In the context of the Meiji Constitution, this process was characterized by strict requirements, reflecting the government's desire to maintain control and stability while allowing for limited constitutional reform.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The amendment process under the Meiji Constitution required a two-thirds majority in both houses of the Imperial Diet, followed by approval from the Emperor.
2. This rigorous procedure made it difficult to amend the constitution, thereby limiting potential changes and reinforcing the authority of the ruling government.
3. Despite its stringent nature, there were several calls for amendments during its existence, particularly in response to growing democratic sentiments.
4. The amendment process reflected the tension between modernization efforts and traditional authority within Japan during the Meiji period.
5. Ultimately, the amendment process remained largely unused until after World War II when Japan transitioned to a new constitution that allowed for a more flexible amendment process.

Review Questions

• How did the amendment process under the Meiji Constitution influence governmental stability and control?
  • The amendment process under the Meiji Constitution significantly influenced governmental stability and control by imposing strict requirements for any constitutional changes. The necessity of a two-thirds majority in both houses of the Imperial Diet, along with Imperial approval, made it challenging to introduce reforms. This stringent process limited the scope for political change and maintained the ruling government's authority, ensuring that any amendments would align with their interests and reducing risks of instability.
• Discuss how Article 73 of the Meiji Constitution shaped public perception of governance and democracy in Japan.
  • Article 73 of the Meiji Constitution shaped public perception of governance and democracy by illustrating the limited nature of political participation available to citizens. While it set forth a formal structure for amending the constitution, the stringent requirements conveyed to the public that significant changes were unlikely without Imperial approval. This realization led to growing discontent among segments of society that yearned for more democratic processes and greater citizen involvement in government decision-making.
• Evaluate how the limitations of the amendment process in the Meiji Constitution affected Japan's transition to its post-war constitution.
  • The limitations of the amendment process in the Meiji Constitution played a crucial role in Japan's transition to its post-war constitution. The inflexibility and difficulty associated with amending the Meiji Constitution highlighted its inability to adapt to changing political and social realities. As Japan sought to modernize and democratize after World War II, these challenges contributed to a complete overhaul rather than mere amendments. The new constitution adopted in 1947 introduced a more accessible amendment process, allowing for adjustments reflective of evolving democratic values and practices.

Related terms

Meiji Constitution:

The constitution of Japan enacted in 1889, which established a constitutional monarchy and outlined the structure of government, rights of citizens, and the role of the Emperor.

Imperial Diet:

The bicameral legislature established by the Meiji Constitution, consisting of the House of Representatives and the House of Peers, responsible for discussing and voting on legislation.

Article 73: A provision in the Meiji Constitution that outlined the specific procedures required for amending the constitution, including the necessity of Imperial approval.