How Do You Spell MEIJI CONSTITUTION?

Pronunciation: [mˈe͡ɪd͡ʒi kˌɒnstɪtjˈuːʃən] (IPA)

The Meiji Constitution was Japan's first modern constitution, adopted in 1889 during the Meiji era. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced [meɪdʒi kɒnstɪˈtjuːʃən]. The first part of the word "Meiji" is pronounced as "may-jee" with a long "a" sound followed by a "j" sound. The second part "Constitution" is pronounced as "kahn-sti-TOO-shun" with a stressed second syllable. This historic document marked a significant turning point in Japan's political history and played a crucial role in Japan's modernization and transition to a constitutional monarchy.

Meaning and Definition
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MEIJI CONSTITUTION Meaning and Definition

  1. The Meiji Constitution refers to the constitutional framework that was adopted in Japan during the Meiji period, specifically in the year 1889. It represented a significant transformation in the political structure of the country, marking the shift from the feudal system of governance to a modern democratic system.

    The Meiji Constitution established a constitutional monarchy in Japan, giving the Emperor a symbolic role as the head of state while granting certain legal powers to a bicameral parliament called the Imperial Diet. The constitution was influenced by Western models such as the parliamentary systems of Germany and the United Kingdom.

    Under the Meiji Constitution, the Emperor had limited executive powers, and the government was primarily run by cabinets headed by the Prime Minister chosen from the majority party in the Imperial Diet. The bicameral parliament consisted of the House of Peers, which was composed of aristocrats and appointed members, and the House of Representatives, which was elected by limited suffrage.

    Despite some democratic elements, the Meiji Constitution also had provisions that preserved the authority of the Emperor and maintained a level of control by the imperial government over certain matters, including the military and foreign policy. It served as the fundamental law of Japan until it was replaced by a new constitution following World War II.

    Overall, the Meiji Constitution was a pivotal document in Japanese history, setting the stage for the country's transformation into a major global power and providing a framework for the development of democratic governance in Japan.

Etymology of MEIJI CONSTITUTION

The Meiji Constitution refers to the constitution of the Empire of Japan during the Meiji era, which lasted from 1868 to 1912.

The term "Meiji" refers to the name of the era, while "constitution" simply denotes a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or organization is governed.

The word "Meiji" itself is derived from two Kanji characters: "Mei" (明), meaning "enlightened" or "clear", and "Ji" (治), meaning "rule" or "government". It was chosen by the young Emperor Mutsuhito (posthumously known as Emperor Meiji) when he ascended to the throne after the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate. The name reflected the emperor's desire to bring about a period of enlightenment and a new direction for Japan.