Civics - Contemporary Society
Civics - Contemporary Society
This domain tests the Constitution, politics, economy, international relations and contemporary issues, with emphasis on how institutions actually work.
Core rules and concepts
- The Constitution has three principles: popular sovereignty, fundamental human rights and pacifism. The emperor is a symbol with no political power. Article 9 renounces war and prohibits maintaining war potential.
- The Diet is bicameral: House of Representatives (465 members) and House of Councillors (248). The House of Representatives has superiority on budgets, treaties and prime-ministerial selection.
- The Cabinet has parliamentary confidence and collective responsibility. Courts are independent and decide constitutionality.
- Local governments elect governors and mayors directly and may enact ordinances within national law.
- The economy is a market economy; government provides public goods, redistribution and social security. Taxes include direct taxes (income, corporate) and indirect taxes (consumption).
- International cooperation includes the UN, ODA and NGOs.
Worked example
Why does the House of Representatives prevail on budgets? The budget must be enacted promptly. Under Article 60, if the two houses disagree and no joint committee agrees, the House of Representatives' decision becomes the Diet's decision. The lower house has shorter terms and can be dissolved, giving it stronger democratic legitimacy. The reasoning connects urgency, constitutional procedure and representation.
Traps
Confusing the powers of the two houses; believing the emperor has political authority; mixing direct and indirect taxes; treating Article 9 as a simple ban on all military activity; forgetting that local governments have limited autonomy under national law.