Postwar Japan

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Postwar Japan

• The Allies, under the command of US General
  Douglas MacArthur, oversaw
• Japan and the drafting of a new
• constitution after WWII.
• The new constitution established a democratic
  government, reduced the size of Japans military
  to a defensive force, and allowed for a modified
  version of the emperor. It also guaranteed
  certain human rights and extended women the right
  to vote.
• In 1951, Japan became independent again. However,
  it kept a close relationship with the US.
• The US poured lots of money into rebuilding Japan
  and helped it grow economically. Today, Japan is
  one of the wealthiest and economically strongest
  nations in the world.

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Outcomes for Japan
Japan has a modern economic miracle. Best
educated work force in the world. Women granted
rights Old power structure, and class system
broken down and replaced. Peasants could and did
own property. Democracy still reigns to this
day.
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To study governments, geographers look at the
following

• Systems How the power is distributed.
• Types Who rules and who participates.
• Form- Limited / Unlimited
• Structure- Leaders role/responsibility

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Systems of Government are based on one question
How is the power distributed?

• There are three ways governments distribute
  power
• Unitary
• Confederation
• Federal

JAPAN has a Federal System of Government.
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Japans Government
Japan has a federal system, and its 47
prefectures are not sovereign entities in the
sense that U.S. states are. Most depend on the
central government for subsidies. Governors of
prefectures, mayors of municipalities, and
prefectural and municipal assembly members are
popularly elected to 4-year terms..
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To study governments, geographers look at the
following

• Systems How the power is distributed.
• Types Who rules and who participates.
• Form- Limited / Unlimited
• Structure- Leaders role/responsibility

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Japans Government

• Question-What type of government does Japan have?

ANSWER-Japans government is a constitutional
monarchy with a parliamentary democracy
government.
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Constitutional Monarchy
A government with a written plan, or
constitution, that includes a monarch as a
ceremonial leader and a parliament or other
legislature to make the laws.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
1. Citizens are involved in decision making
through their representatives, lobbying, and
voting.
1. Decision making is time consuming. Desire of
representatives to please everyone may cripple
system.
2. Representatives are aware their job depends on
meeting the needs of their constituents.
2. Representatives may not always agree with
those they represent.
3. More likely that all elements of the
population are represented.
3. Lack of involved citizenry may allow special
interest groups to influence or dominate
representatives.
4. Monarch has almost celebrity status with the
people. Are not held responsible for unpopular
decisions, yet can help form public opinion
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Parliamentary Democracy

• Prime Minister is elected by legislator
• There is no set term or limit on how long Prime
  Minister can hold office
• Head of the state and the chief executive are two
  different offices

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Parliamentary Democracy

• Prime Minister is the chief executive and
  actually is in charge running the government.
• The President is considered the Head of State and
  has more of a chief diplomat role with other
  countries.

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Japans Government
Japans parliament or Diet serves as the
legislative branch. It passes the countrys laws.
Japans Parliament is bicameral (has two
houses). Question-What is the name of the two
different houses?
ANSWER- The first house of Japans Diet is the
House of Representatives and the second is the
House of Councilors. Both of these positions are
chosen by popular election.
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To study governments, geographers look at the
following

• Systems How the power is distributed.
• Types Who rules and who participates.
• Form- Limited / Unlimited
• Structure- Leaders role/responsibility

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Limited Government
A government in which everyone, including those
in authority, must obey the laws.
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To study governments, geographers look at the
following

• Systems How the power is distributed.
• Types Who rules and who participates.
• Form- Limited / Unlimited
• Structure- Leaders role/responsibility

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Japans Government

• Question- Who is Japans chief of state?

ANSWER- Japans chief of state is Emperor
AKIHITO (since 7 January, 1989) He holds no real
power but serves as an ambassador for Japan.
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Japans Government

• Question- Who is Japans head of government?

ANSWER- Japans head of government is Prime
Minister Taro ASO
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Japans Economy

• Question- What type of Economy does Japan have?

ANSWER- Japans economy is Mixed/Market
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Japan does not have a lot of usable land
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Swift-Moving Rivers Hydroelectric Power
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The Izumo Plain
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Terrace Farming of Rice
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The Japanese Farm the Sea
TokyoFish Market
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What is the reason for Japans economic success?
The Government
Their Work Ethic
Their Tariffs
Their Trade Surplus
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What is the name for Japans legislature?
The Diet
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What type of government does Japan have?
Constitutional Monarchy / Parliamentary Democracy