The history of Japan has two prominent eras, Feudal era, and the Modern era. Japan’s Feudal era was through (1185–1868). Throughout this era, it was characterized by the dominance of a ruling class of warriors, the samurai. Samurai could kill a civilian for the most minuscule insult and were commonly feared by the Japanese population. During …show more content…
Throughout this period, the power of the government was placed in the hands of Shoguns, who officially ruled the country for the Emperor. The Shoguns were military governors. Also, the Emperor was the sovereign who chose the Shogun, his roles were strictly ceremonial . However, the Constitution of Japan of 1889 known as the, “"Meiji Constitution”. Enacted after the Meiji Restoration in 1868. It enabled limits on the power of the executive branch and the Emperor. In addition, it created an independent judiciary. As well, civil rights were guaranteed, although in many circumstances they were subject to limitation by law. However, it seemed in many situations self-contradictory. Japan struggled between these tendencies, and the political parties and government were left wondering if the Meiji Constitution could justify a liberal-democratic …show more content…
The new Constitution stated, "The Japanese government shall remove all obstacles to the revival and strengthening of democratic tendencies among the Japanese people. Freedom of speech, of religion, and of thought, as well as respect for the fundamental human rights shall be established" (Section 10). In addition, the document stated: "The occupying forces of the Allies shall be withdrawn from Japan as soon as these objectives have been accomplished and there has been established in accordance with the freely expressed will of the Japanese people a peacefully inclined and responsible government" (Section 12). The fundamental difference is that under the Meiji Constitution, which took effect in 1890, sovereignty was in the hands of the Emperor. Sovereignty resides with the people under the current