On History Of Japanese Citizens' Political Rights

The development of modern democracy has given birth to great achievement in citizens'political rights; in turn, the enforcement of citizens'political rights will give a strong boost to the development of democracy. While the constitution, due to validation to citizens'political rights, has become the most important legal instrument for a country to protect its citizens'political rights. Since Meiji Reform, with the diffusion of Western democracy trend and impetus of civil rights movement, there has been a higher voice for political rights among citizens. The promulgation of Meiji Constitution in 1889 had Japanese citizens'political rights acknowledged by law for the form only. However, citizens had no access to complete political rights, which sowed evil seed for Japan's later fascism. After World War II, under the intervention of coalition forces command led by U.S., Japanese citizens gained far-ranging political rights, which was validated by Constitution of Japan. The enjoyment and enforcement of citizens'political rights in post-war Japan ensured sound, continuous and stable development of the whole society, and guaranteed its progress in democracy as well.