National Diet of Japan
The National Diet of Japan is Japan's bicameral legislature, comprising the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. It is the country's highest organ of state power and the sole law-making body, as stipulated by the Constitution of Japan.
History
The concept of a national assembly in Japan dates back to the late 19th century during the Meiji Restoration. The first national assembly, known as the Imperial Diet, was established in 1889 with the adoption of the Meiji Constitution. This Diet was modeled after the German Reichstag and had two chambers: the House of Peers and the House of Representatives. However, this system was more symbolic and had limited power compared to the modern Diet:
- The House of Peers was composed of the nobility, high officials, and other imperial appointees.
- The House of Representatives was elected by a limited electorate based on wealth and tax contributions.
Following World War II and Japan's defeat, the Occupation of Japan led to significant political reforms. The new Constitution of Japan, enacted in 1947 under the influence of the Allied Occupation, transformed the Diet into a true legislative body with:
- Universal adult suffrage.
- A more democratic structure.
- The introduction of the House of Councillors as a second chamber, replacing the House of Peers.
Structure and Function
The National Diet's structure includes:
- House of Representatives: The lower house, which has 465 members elected for a four-year term. It has the power to initiate and approve the budget, ratify treaties, and elect the Prime Minister of Japan.
- House of Councillors: The upper house, with 248 members serving six-year terms, with half the seats elected every three years. While its role is less dominant, it can delay legislation passed by the House of Representatives and has the power to veto bills related to the constitution, international treaties, and fundamental laws.
Both houses have specific roles and powers:
- The Diet has the authority to pass laws, approve the budget, ratify treaties, and oversee the administration of the government.
- In case of disagreement between the two houses, the decision of the House of Representatives prevails, except in certain specified cases.
Legislative Process
The legislative process in the Diet involves:
- Introduction of bills by cabinet members, Diet members, or by a certain number of signatures from the public.
- Committee review, debate, and potential amendments.
- Voting in both houses. If both houses pass the bill, it becomes law upon receiving the Emperor's assent, which is essentially ceremonial.
Notable Features
- The Diet can override a veto by a two-thirds majority in both houses.
- It has the power to remove the Prime Minister through a no-confidence vote.
- Members of the Diet enjoy parliamentary immunity from arrest during sessions unless caught in the act of a crime.
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