Term
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Definition
| A Buddhist Party, Soka Gakkar. Organized in 1964, wanted to eliminate the corruption in the government. Was a middle of the road party. Now holds about 21/480 seats in the HR. Trying to combine Buddhism with democracy. |
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Term
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Definition
| The Japanese Trade Union Confederation. It is the largest labor union organization in Japan representing approximately 8 million union members. Represents 65% of the organized labor in Japan, and only about 25% of the work force is organized. |
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Term
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Definition
| A symbolic figure in Japan, symbol of the state and unity of the people stated in Article 1. Power is weaker than Queen Elizabeth II because the emperor has no political power. Only performs symbolic and ceremonial functions. |
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Term
| The House of Representatives (480 men) |
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Definition
| The lower house in the Diet, however, has more power than the Upper house. These powers include, electing the PM (if there is a disagreement between the HR anad HC, the HR decision is final 10 days later), the budget(if there is a disagreement, HR decision is final 30 days later), Ordinary Legislation, and can call for a vote of no confidence. Term is 4 years unless dissolved. |
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Term
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Definition
| The upper house of the diet, term is 6 years and cannot be dissolved. Even though less powerful than the HR, does have useful functions such as ability to restrain hasty decisions made by the HR, can refine bills, and can scrutinize and defeat undesired bills because it is difficult for the HR to come up with a 2/3 majority especially toward the end of the session. |
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Term
Electoral System for the HR & HC
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Definition
| HR=300 elected members from the SMD and 180 from the PR System. HC=146 elected on the basis of Pref. District System, and 96 elected on the PR System. |
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Term
| Relative Powers of the two houses |
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Definition
| HR, elect the PM, the budget, treaty ratification, ordinary legislation, and the vote of no confidence. HC, restrain hasty decisions by the HR, refinement of bills, and can scrutinize and defeat undesired bills. |
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Term
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Definition
| Vote taken to oust the PM. If vote passes, PM must resign or dissolve parliament and seek new election. |
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Term
| The Functional Standing Committee (20 HR; 17 HC) |
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Definition
| Each committee has a specific purpose. |
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Term
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Definition
| 1603 - 1867, established by Tokugawa leyasu following the successfull military campaign that unified Japan under his rule. It was a military dynasty of hereditary Shoguns which ruled Japan. Each clan was headed by a Lord, then the ranking went as followed 1. Samurai 2. Peasants 3. Antisans 4. Merchants. The Shogun adopted a policy of seclussion and Christianity was also banned. |
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Term
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Definition
| U.S. Commodore who opened Japan in 1853. |
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Term
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Definition
| 1868-1912, started with the opening of Japan Matthew C. Perry, followed by the Shoguns acceptance of Perry's demands that triggered a political crisis. In 1868, the Shogun was forced to turn over power to the Emperor, Emperor Meiji took over & established a new political system followed by extensive reforms and modernization. |
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Term
| The Meiji Constitution of 1889 |
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Definition
| Constitution of Japan that was in effect up until a new constitution was adopted in 1946. The Meiji Constitution ran on the doctrine of Imperial Sovereignty and the emperor was seen as a divine figure. |
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Term
| Doctrine of Imperial Sovereignty |
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Definition
| The ultimate ruling power vested with the Emperor rather than the people. |
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Term
| The Manchurian Incident of 1931 |
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Definition
| This incident restored to assassinations and terrors to silence the liberal leaders from 1930-1936. |
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Term
| The rise of militarism in Japan |
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Definition
| Originated after the Economic Great Depression, political corruption involving party politicians, the rise of ultra nationalism and militarism, resentment against the West, the Manchurian Incident, and during external aggression such as the puppet regime, the sino-japanese war, the attack on Pearl Harbor, and World War II. |
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Term
| The Potsdam Declaration of 1945 |
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Definition
| Issued on July 26th, 1945, this declaration required two main objectives: the democratization and demilitarization of Japan. |
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Term
| The Allied Occupation of Japan |
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Definition
| Formally ruled Japan from 9-2-1945 to 4-28-1952, was in theory an allied responsibility (22 nation FE Commissions, and an Allied Council with 4 members) but might as well been an exclusively American operation with the SCAP being General Douglas MacArthur. |
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Term
| Demilitarization of Japan |
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Definition
| Had six main points: Total disarmament and demobilization, ministries of army and navy abolished, purged 200,000 military officers and civilian officials from holding office, punishment of war criminals, state Shintoism abolished, and Article 9, renunciation of war clause. |
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Term
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Definition
| Had 7 main points: abolishment of anti-democratic laws and regulations, political prisoners released, men and women 20+ suffrage expanded, political parties encouraged, labor unions, new constitution of 1947, and the providing of various freedoms (speech, press, religion, etc.) |
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Term
| The MacArthur Constitution of 1947 |
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Definition
| Based on six democratic principle, popular sovereignty, parliamentary democracy, judicial review, pacifism (article 9), civil rights and liberties, and local autonomy. Constitution still in effect today with no amendments. |
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Term
| Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution |
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Definition
| The Renunciation of War Clause states that there will be no force in settling disputes with other countries. No land, sea, or air forces. An extensive anti-military reform. |
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Term
| The U.S.- Japan Security Treaty |
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Definition
| Signed on 9-8-1951, guaranteed Japan's security in exchange for the U.S. usage of Japanese bases and facilities. The treaty has been revised, but still remains in effect today. It can be terminated by either side with one years advanced notice. |
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Term
| Japanese Political Culture |
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Definition
| Has four main characteristics, groupism, harmony, nationalism, and Confucianism. Today, Japan is moving toward a participant Political Culture. |
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Term
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Definition
| Operating a group rather than individual contexts. The Japanese feel more comfortable and more effective acting collectively instead of alone. |
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Term
| The Dominant Party System |
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Definition
| When one party continuously wins election. |
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Term
| The Liberal Democratic Party |
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Definition
| Formed by joining the Liberal Democrats and the Liberal Party. The LDP ruled Japan from 1955-1993, and 1996-2009. Supported by businesses, farmers, and professionals. It is also a coalition of several major factions. |
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Term
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Definition
| One major cause of the LDP's decline. The party relied too much on money power, in its attempt to win elections, which led to many scandals and corrupt practices. |
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Term
| The longevity of the LDP Rule |
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Definition
| Based on 6 key poins, receives enormous financial support from big businesses, pragmatic approach to policy issues, provided economic prosperity, had support from farmers, and got policy ideas from the bureaucracy. |
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Term
| The Social Democratic Party |
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Definition
| From 1955-1993 was the largest opposing party in Japan. Was the Socialist Party until 1993. In 1994, a coalition government formed with the LDP headed by Murayama Tomiichi. Since his resign, the SDP's electoral strength has declined sharply. |
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Term
| The higher civil service system |
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Definition
| People who hold the highest positions in the system, must pass the high civil service exam. Only 5% of about 15000 people pass. |
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Term
| Sources of Japanese bureaucratic power |
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Definition
| Great deal of prestige and power, ministries rely on higher civil servants, bureaucrats draft bills, laws outline general principles & bureaucrats fill in the details, and the individuals and companies should comply with the bureaucrat's wishes. |
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Term
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Definition
| The Ministry of International Trade and Industry, has shaped Japan's Industrial Policy, and has served as an "economic general staff" for the country. It assisted in deciding on areas of economic growth, picking industries that deserve government support. |
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Term
| The "prior consultation" clause of the Security Treaty. |
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Definition
| Had 3 points: The US could not use Japan's base for combat operations, could not increase or decrease the number of American troops in Japan, and could not bring in nuclear weapons without Japanese approval. |
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Term
| The PKO Cooperation Law 1992 |
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Definition
| Stated that Japan could now dispatch up to 2000 of its SDF's troops abroad to help the U.S. when dealing with peace keeping operations. |
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Term
| The Lockheed Scandal of 1976 |
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Definition
| Involved former PM Tanaka Kaknei, he received 1.7 million dollars and was arrested, he died while his case was at the Japanese Supreme Court. |
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