1. Establishment of a Constitutional Monarchy: The Meiji Constitution, promulgated in 1889, established the Emperor as the head of state, symbolizing the unity of the nation. However, real political power was vested in the cabinet and the Diet, which were modeled after Western constitutional monarchies.
2. Creation of a Bicameral Diet (Parliament): The Japanese Diet consisted of two houses: the House of Representatives (lower house) and the House of Peers (upper house). The House of Representatives was elected by a limited electorate based on property and tax qualifications. The House of Peers was composed of members appointed by the Emperor, nobles, and prominent citizens.
3. Introduction of Universal Male Suffrage: Universal male suffrage was introduced in 1925, expanding the electorate and giving more citizens a say in the political process.
4. Power of the Cabinet: The Cabinet, headed by a Prime Minister, held executive power. The Prime Minister was appointed by the Emperor on the recommendation of the political parties. The Cabinet had the authority to make and execute policies, draft legislation, and negotiate with foreign countries.
5. Expansion of Bureaucratic System: The Meiji government expanded the bureaucratic system, establishing ministries and agencies responsible for various sectors of the economy and society. This centralized administrative structure helped accelerate modernization and industrialization.
6. Role of the Military: The military played an influential role in Japanese politics during this period. The Meiji government believed that a strong military was essential to safeguard national independence and achieve its goals of modernization.
7. Meiji Reforms: The Meiji government enacted numerous legal reforms, including a new Civil Code, Commercial Code, and Criminal Code, which were based on Western legal systems. These reforms transformed Japanese society and facilitated the country's economic development.
Through these changes, the Japanese government aimed to create a modern and efficient political system that would allow the country to compete with the Western powers and become a major player on the global stage.