After WWII, the Allies led by General Douglas MacArthur oversaw Japan's transition to a democratic government with a new constitution. The constitution established a parliamentary democracy with an emperor as ceremonial head of state. It guaranteed human rights and extended voting rights to women. Japan's economy was rebuilt with US aid and it became one of the wealthiest nations in the world with a highly educated workforce.

2. Outcomes for Japan Japan has a modern economic miracle. Best educated work force in the world. Women granted rights Old power structure, and class system broken down and replaced. Peasants could and did own property. Democracy still reigns to this day.

5. 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..

8. Constitutional Monarchy A 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.

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

13. Limited Government A government in which everyone, including those in authority, must obey the laws.

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

16. Question- Who is Japan’s head of government? ANSWER - Japan’s head of government is Prime Minister Taro ASO

17. Question- What type of Economy does Japan have? ANSWER - Japan’s economy is Mixed/Market

18. Japan does not have a lot of usable land

19. Swift-Moving Rivers: Hydroelectric Power

20. The Izumo Plain

21. Terrace Farming of Rice

22. The Japanese Farm the Sea Tokyo Fish Market

23. What is the reason for Japan’s economic success? The Government Their Work Ethic Their Tariffs Their Trade Surplus

24. What is the name for Japan’s legislature? The Diet

25. What type of government does Japan have? Constitutional Monarchy / Parliamentary Democracy