What changes did Japan's 1889 Constitution introduce?

Japan's 1889 Constitution introduced a bicameral parliament, a constitutional monarchy, and a system of civil rights.

The 1889 Constitution, also known as the Meiji Constitution, marked a significant shift in Japan's political structure. It established a constitutional monarchy, with the Emperor as the symbolic head of state and the Prime Minister and his cabinet holding executive power. This was a significant departure from the previous system where the Emperor held absolute power. The Emperor's role was largely ceremonial, with real power resting in the hands of the oligarchy.

The Constitution also introduced a bicameral parliament, known as the Imperial Diet, consisting of the House of Peers and the House of Representatives. The House of Peers was made up of nobility and imperial appointees, while the House of Representatives was elected by a limited electorate. This was a significant step towards a more democratic system, although voting rights were initially restricted to male citizens who paid a certain amount of tax, excluding a large portion of the population.

Another key change was the introduction of a system of civil rights. The Constitution guaranteed certain freedoms and rights to Japanese citizens, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. However, these rights were not absolute and could be restricted by law. This was a significant development, as it was the first time such rights had been formally recognised in Japan.

The 1889 Constitution also established the rule of law, with the creation of an independent judiciary. This was a significant change from the previous system, where legal decisions were often made by local feudal lords. The Constitution also introduced a system of civil and criminal law, based on the French and German models.

Overall, the 1889 Constitution marked a significant shift towards a more modern, democratic system of government in Japan. However, it also maintained a strong role for the Emperor and the ruling oligarchy, reflecting the tension between tradition and modernity in Meiji Japan.