Title: Postwar Japan
1Postwar 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.
2Outcomes 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.
3To 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
4Systems 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.
5Japans 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..
6To 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
7Japans Government
- Question-What type of government does Japan have?
ANSWER-Japans government is a constitutional
monarchy with a parliamentary democracy
government.
8Constitutional 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
9Parliamentary 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
10Parliamentary 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.
11Japans 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.
12To 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
13Limited Government
A government in which everyone, including those
in authority, must obey the laws.
14To 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
15Japans 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.
16Japans Government
- Question- Who is Japans head of government?
ANSWER- Japans head of government is Prime
Minister Taro ASO
17Japans Economy
- Question- What type of Economy does Japan have?
ANSWER- Japans economy is Mixed/Market
18Japan does not have a lot of usable land
19Swift-Moving Rivers Hydroelectric Power
20The Izumo Plain
21Terrace Farming of Rice
22The Japanese Farm the Sea
TokyoFish Market
23What is the reason for Japans economic success?
The Government
Their Work Ethic
Their Tariffs
Their Trade Surplus
24What is the name for Japans legislature?
The Diet
25What type of government does Japan have?
Constitutional Monarchy / Parliamentary Democracy