The Constitution of the Empire of Japan (Kyūjitai: 大日本帝國憲法; Shinjitai: 大日本帝国憲法, romanized: Dai-Nippon Teikoku Kenpō), known informally as the Meiji Constitution (明治憲法, Meiji Kenpō), was the constitution of the Empire of Japan which was proclaimed on February 11, 1889, and remained in force between November 29, 1890 and May 2, 1947. Enacted after the Meiji Restoration in 1868, it provided for a form of mixed constitutional and absolute monarchy, based jointly on the German and British models. In theory, the Emperor of Japan was the supreme leader, and the Cabinet, whose Prime Minister would be elected by a Privy Council, were his followers; in practice, the Emperor was head of state but the Prime Minister was the actual head of government. Under the Meiji Constitution, the Prime Minister and his Cabinet were not necessarily chosen from the elected members of the group.
During the American Occupation of Japan the Meiji Constitution was replaced on November 3, 1946, becoming the "Postwar Constitution", which has been in force since May 3, 1947. In order to maintain legal continuity, the Postwar Constitution was enacted as an amendment to the Meiji Constitution.
1890Nov, 29
The Meiji Constitution goes into effect in Japan, and the first Diet convenes.
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Events on 1890
- 1Jun
Herman Hollerith
The United States Census Bureau begins using Herman Hollerith's tabulating machine to count census returns. - 2Jul
Sherman Antitrust Act
The U.S. Congress passes the Sherman Antitrust Act. - 12Sep
Rhodesia
Salisbury, Rhodesia, is founded. - 24Sep
1890 Manifesto
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially renounces polygamy. - 25Sep
Sequoia National Park
The United States Congress establishes Sequoia National Park.