This paper wants to compare the parliamentary systems of Japan and Germany, especially
the structure of the governments, the Diet, and the Bundestag. In our paper we will
answer the following questions: Why can both countries be compared? What historical prerequisites
led to the recent political systems? How do the respective parts of parliaments
and governmental institutions work together? Therefore, we want to concentrate on the
question, where there are similarities in the political procedures and where these ones differ?
Several reasons make both countries comparable. In this regard, our first item gives an
overview over 130 years of a Japanese-German relationship, in which many parallel historical
developments and treaties occurred. A description of the constitutional developments
(item 3) shows that the Japanese Constitution of 1890 adopted general provisions
(especially provisions for the emperor and the parliament) from the German Constitution of
1871. In addition, both postwar Constitutions were strongly influenced by the United
States’ occupation politics, which established a parliamentary democracy in both countries.
All of these are necessary fundamentals to show that both systems can be compared because
of these several similar, historical, and political developments. Our fourth item compares
the parliamentary systems today. Within the concluding remarks we will point out the
differences and the similarities, both systems share or rather divide from each other. Japan and Germany can look back upon 130 years of a more or less deep relationship.
Sure, there are some differences within this old official Japanese-German relationship, and
there are parallels with other states. But despite of all possible relativity, the degree of the
Japanese-German similarity is succinct, and it is possible to discover parallels between
certain historical developments in Japan and developments in Germany. The official relations
began on January, 24th 1861 when the Prussian East Asian Delegation under the Duke
Friedrich zu Eulenburg and the Japanese Shōgunat completed the “Freundschafts-, Handels-,
und Schiffahrtsvertrag” (Friendship, Trade-, and Navigation-Treaty). [...]
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The Japanese-German relationship
- 3. Constitutional Developments
- a. Meiji Constitution and Germany's Constitution of 1871
- b. Japanese and German Postwar Constitutions
- 4. The Parliamentary Systems Today
- a. The Diet and other Governmental Institutions
- b. Japanese Political Reforms after 1993
- c. The German Parliament and other Governmental Institutions
- 5. Concluding Remarks
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper compares the parliamentary systems of Japan and Germany, focusing on governmental structures, the Diet, and the Bundestag. The analysis explores historical parallels that allow for comparison, examining how historical prerequisites shaped the current political systems and the interaction between parliamentary and governmental institutions. The paper aims to identify similarities and differences in political procedures between the two countries. * Historical Parallels between Japan and Germany * Constitutional Developments in both countries * Structures and functions of the Diet and the Bundestag * Similarities and Differences in Political Procedures * Influence of Historical Events on Current SystemsZusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the paper's objective: a comparative analysis of the parliamentary systems of Japan and Germany. It establishes the rationale for comparing these two nations by highlighting shared historical developments and constitutional influences, particularly focusing on the impact of the United States' postwar occupation policies. The chapter outlines the key questions the paper aims to address: the basis for comparing the two countries, the historical factors leading to their current political systems, the collaborative mechanisms between the parliamentary and governmental branches, and the identification of similarities and differences in their political processes. This provides a clear framework for the subsequent chapters. 2. The Japanese-German Relationship: This chapter examines over 130 years of relations between Japan and Germany. It acknowledges differences while emphasizing significant historical parallels. It begins with the 1861 Friendship, Trade, and Navigation Treaty, highlighting how this early agreement set the stage for future collaboration. The chapter highlights the Iwakura mission's visit to Berlin in 1873 and the subsequent influence of the Prussian model—its technological advancements, military structure, and constitutional monarchy—on Japanese reforms, particularly in constitutional matters, military organization, and education. This focus on the Prussian model is presented as a key factor in shaping Japan's political and constitutional development and provides a critical context for comparing the subsequent development of Japan's parliamentary system to that of Germany. The chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the shared historical context crucial to the comparison. 3. Constitutional Developments: This chapter explores the constitutional evolution of both Japan and Germany. It contrasts the Meiji Constitution of 1890 (influenced by the German Constitution of 1871) and the postwar constitutions of both nations, shaped by the US occupation. The Meiji Constitution's adoption of provisions from the German Constitution of 1871 and the subsequent influence of the United States occupation in creating a parliamentary democracy in both countries are central to its analysis. This shared influence from both Germany and the United States, despite the temporal gap between the periods of influence, represents an overarching theme that underscores the countries' intertwined constitutional development and makes the comparative analysis feasible. The chapter provides vital historical context for the contemporary comparisons in later sections. 4. The Parliamentary Systems Today: This chapter delves into a comparative analysis of the current parliamentary systems of Japan and Germany. It examines the Diet in Japan and the Bundestag in Germany, including their respective structures, functions, and interactions with other governmental institutions. While specifics about each nation's systems are examined, the chapter's core focus will be on identifying the ways in which these systems operate, identifying similarities and differences in their approaches, and exploring reasons for these differences. The comparison will include how the legislative and executive branches work together and the mechanisms by which the governments secure the support of the legislatures. The chapter also explores the impact of political reforms in post-1993 Japan on the overall effectiveness and operation of its government. This chapter serves as the culmination of the research presented, showing the synthesis of historical context with the description of the modern systems.Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Parliamentary systems, Japan, Germany, Meiji Constitution, Postwar Constitutions, Diet, Bundestag, Comparative Politics, Constitutional Development, Historical Parallels, Political Reforms.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparative Analysis of the Parliamentary Systems of Japan and Germany
What is the main focus of this paper?
This paper provides a comparative analysis of the parliamentary systems of Japan and Germany. It focuses on governmental structures, the Diet (Japan's parliament), and the Bundestag (Germany's parliament), exploring historical parallels and influences shaping their current political systems.
What are the key themes explored in this paper?
Key themes include historical parallels between Japan and Germany, constitutional developments in both countries, the structures and functions of the Diet and the Bundestag, similarities and differences in political procedures, and the influence of historical events on the current systems. The paper highlights the impact of both German and US influences on the constitutional development of both nations.
What historical parallels are examined between Japan and Germany?
The paper examines over 130 years of relations, starting with the 1861 Friendship, Trade, and Navigation Treaty. It emphasizes the Iwakura mission's visit to Berlin in 1873 and the subsequent influence of the Prussian model (its technology, military, and constitutional monarchy) on Japanese reforms in constitutional matters, military organization, and education. This influence is presented as a crucial factor shaping Japan's political and constitutional development.
How are the constitutional developments of Japan and Germany compared?
The paper contrasts the Meiji Constitution of 1890 (influenced by the German Constitution of 1871) and the postwar constitutions of both nations, shaped by the US occupation. It analyzes the adoption of provisions from the German Constitution of 1871 in the Meiji Constitution and the subsequent impact of the US occupation in establishing parliamentary democracies in both countries.
What aspects of the current parliamentary systems are compared?
The paper compares the Diet and the Bundestag, including their structures, functions, and interactions with other governmental institutions. It analyzes how the legislative and executive branches collaborate, the mechanisms for securing legislative support, and the impact of political reforms in post-1993 Japan.
What are the objectives of this comparative analysis?
The paper aims to identify similarities and differences in political procedures between Japan and Germany, exploring how historical prerequisites shaped their current political systems and the interaction between parliamentary and governmental institutions.
What are the chapter summaries?
The paper includes an introduction outlining its objectives and methodology, a chapter on the Japanese-German relationship highlighting historical parallels, a chapter on constitutional developments comparing the Meiji and postwar constitutions, and a chapter analyzing the current parliamentary systems. The paper concludes with concluding remarks.
What are the key words associated with this paper?
Key words include: Parliamentary systems, Japan, Germany, Meiji Constitution, Postwar Constitutions, Diet, Bundestag, Comparative Politics, Constitutional Development, Historical Parallels, Political Reforms.
- Quote paper
- Andrea Becker (Author), Maren Reyelt (Author), 2000, The Parliamentary Systems of Japan and Germany: A Comparison, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/27059
