The Constitution of the Empire of Japan

The Constitution of the Empire of Japan, enacted in 1889, was Japan's first formal constitution. It established a constitutional monarchy, meaning the Emperor had significant power, but there was also a parliamentary system in place. Citizens were granted certain rights, though these were limited and often overshadowed by the Emperor's authority. The constitution aimed to modernize Japan and strengthen its government by incorporating Western legal principles. However, it allowed the military great autonomy and control, ultimately contributing to Japan's aggressive expansion in the early 20th century. It was replaced after World War II with the current constitution in 1947.