Compare and contrast the Meiji Constitution and the 1946 postwar constitution.?

Question

Note the differences and provide a scholarly explanation for the reasons behind revisions made on the 1946 version.

Answer 1

Meiji Constitution, was the fundamental law of the Empire of Japan from 29 November 1889 until 2 May 1947. Enacted after the Meiji Renewal, it provided for a form of constitutional monarchy based on the Prussian model, in which the Emperor of Japan was an active ruler and wielded considerable political power, but shared this with an elected diet. Following Japan's defeat and occupation at the end of the Second World War, the Meiji Constitution was replaced by a new document, the present 'Constitution of Japan', which replaces the imperial system with a form of Western-style liberal democracy.

The idea of a written constitution had been a subject of heated debate within and without the government since the beginnings of the Meiji government. The conservative Meiji oligarchy viewed anything resembling democracy or republicanism with suspicion and trepidation, and favored a gradualist approach. The Freedom and People's Rights Movement demanded the immediate establishment of an elected national assembly, and the promulgation of a constitution.

In essence the postwar constitution provides for a parliamentary system of government and guarantees certain fundamental rights for its people whereas the Meiji constitution had far lesser rights because one person, the Emperor had most the power.

Answer 2

I suggest you do your own home work.  Look up "Meiji Constitution" on your search engine.