Japan

Abstract

The current Diet of Japan was established in 1946 after the Second World War. Under the post-war Constitution, the Diet was designated the highest organ of state power and the sole law-making organ of the state. The Diet consists of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. Under Japan’s parliamentary cabinet system, the Prime Minister is the head of the Executive and elected from among Diet members. Elections for the House of Representative are held every four years unless the House is dissolved. Elections for half of the House of Councillors are held every three years. Bills are generally submitted to the House of Representatives before the House of Councillors. When both houses pass a bill, the bill is usually enacted into law.