Japan's government and economy

transcript

•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 Japan’s 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.

Outcomes for JapanOutcomes for JapanJapan has a modern Japan has a modern

economic miracle.economic miracle.

Best educated work force Best educated work force in the world.in the world.

Women granted rightsWomen granted rights

Old power structure, and Old power structure, and class system broken class system broken down and replaced.down and replaced.

Peasants could and did Peasants could and did own property.own property.

Democracy still reigns to Democracy still reigns to this day.this day.

To 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

Systems 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.JAPAN has a Federal System of 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..

•Question-What type of government does Japan have?Question-What type of government does Japan have?

ANSWERANSWER-Japan’s government -Japan’s government is a constitutional monarchy is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy with a parliamentary democracy government.government.

Constitutional MonarchyA 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.2. Representatives are aware their job depends on meeting the needs of their constituents.

3. More likely that all elements of the population are represented.

4. Monarch has almost celebrity status with the people. Are not held responsible for unpopular decisions, yet can help form public opinion

1. Decision making is time consuming. Desire of representatives to please everyone may cripple system.

2. Representatives may not always agree with those they represent.

3. Lack of involved citizenry may allow special interest groups to influence or dominate representatives.

Parliamentary 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

• 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.

Japan’s parliament or Diet serves as the legislative branch. It passes the country’s laws. Japan’s Parliament is bicameral (has two houses).Question-What is the name of the two different houses? Question-What is the name of the two different houses?

ANSWERANSWER- - The first house of Japan’s The first house of Japan’s Diet is the House of Representatives Diet is the House of Representatives and the second is the House of and the second is the House of Councilors. Both of these positions Councilors. Both of these positions are chosen by popular election.are chosen by popular election.

Limited Governme

ntA government in which everyone, including those in authority, must obey the laws.

Question- Who is Japan’s chief of state?Question- Who is Japan’s chief of state?

ANSWERANSWER-- Japan’s Japan’s chief of chief of state is state is Emperor Emperor AKIHITO AKIHITO (since 7 January, 1989)(since 7 January, 1989)He holds no real power but He holds no real power but serves as an ambassador serves as an ambassador for Japan.for Japan.

Question- Who is Japan’s head of government?Question- Who is Japan’s head of government?

ANSWERANSWER-- Japan’s Japan’s head of government head of government is Prime Minister Taro is Prime Minister Taro ASOASO

Question- What type of Economy does Japan have?Question- What type of Economy does Japan have?

ANSWERANSWER-- Japan’s Japan’s economy is economy is Mixed/MarketMixed/Market

Japan does not have a lot of usable landJapan does not have a lot of usable land

Swift-Moving Rivers: Swift-Moving Rivers: Hydroelectric PowerHydroelectric Power

The Izumo PlainThe Izumo Plain

Terrace Farming of Terrace Farming of RiceRice

The Japanese Farm The Japanese Farm the Seathe Sea

TokyoTokyoFish MarketFish Market

What is the reason for Japan’s economic

success?

What is the reason for Japan’s economic

success?The GovernmentThe Government

Their Work EthicTheir Work EthicTheir TariffsTheir Tariffs

Their Trade SurplusTheir Trade Surplus

What is the name for Japan’s legislature?

The DietThe Diet

What type of government does

Japan have?

What type of government does

Japan have?Constitutional Monarchy /

Constitutional Monarchy /

Japan's government and economy

Education