The Japanese Government

Japan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government. The Constitution, which took effect in 1947, guarantees many rights to the people, including freedom of religion, speech, and the press. It awards the vote to all men and women age 20 and older.

The Constitution establishes three branches of government – the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. Sovereignty is vested in Japanese nationals by whom officials are elected in all of the branches. There is universal adult suffrage with a fair, reliable, secret ballot. For historical reasons, the system is similar to that in the United Kingdom.

Form of Government: Parliamentary democracy with ceremonial emperor
Ceremonial head of state: Emperor
Head of government: Prime minister
Legislature: Diet of two houses: 480-member House of Representatives and 252-member House of Councillors
Executive: Prime minister (chosen by Diet), assisted by Cabinet (chosen by the prime minister)
Political subdivisions: 47 prefectures