Author bio: The Constitution of the Empire of Japan was written by the new leaders of Japan in 1889.
Historical context: The Constitution was written in 1889, this was after the Land Tax Reform and the numerous rebellions. It was before the the Sino-Japanese War.
Summary: The constitution outline the way the government will be run. It's main points include the system of government, and Emperor who is in charge and two houses, one that is elected, and one that is passed down the family and nobility. The Emperor has similar powers to the US president, he is in charge of the navy and army, and has executive powers. The people in Japan are subject, but they do hold some rights and responsibilities. The subjects are allowed to live freely unless they break a law, and are responsible to pay taxes to the government. Overall, the government system in Japan is very similar to the American government.
Megan did a good job at analyzing that the Constitution of the Empire of Japan is similar to the American Constitution. The two both share the same basic rules, such as "No Japanese subject shall be arrested, detained, tried or punished, unless according to law". This also goes for Americans. However, I think that the differences should also be pointed out. For example, in the Constitution of the Empire of Japan, it states that "Japanese subjects are amenable to service in the Army or Navy, according to the provisions of law". The definition of amenable is "(of a person) open and responsive to suggestion; easily persuaded or controlled". This stresses the option of Japanese citizens to enlist into the army. In America, the idea of listing in the army is encouraged, but it is not so stressed that many feel that they have to enlist. In addition, Megan forgot to add a key quotation.
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