From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The
Seventeen-article constitution (十七条憲法 jūshichijō kenpō?) is, according to
Nihon Shoki published in
720, a document authored by
Prince Shōtoku in
604. It was adopted in the reign of
Empress Suiko. The emphasis of the document is not so much on the basic laws by which the state was to be governed, such as one may expect from a modern
constitution, but rather it was a highly
Buddhist document that focused on the morals and virtues that were to be expected of government officials and the emperor's subjects to ensure a smooth running of the state, where the emperor was to be regarded as the highest authority. It is one of the earliest moral dictatorial documents in history.
[edit]Excerpts from the Articles
- Harmony is to be valued, and the avoidance of wanton opposition to be honoured.
- Sincerely revere the three treasures: the Buddha, his Teaching, and the ordained Community.
- When you receive the Imperial commands, fail not scrupulously to obey them.
- The Ministers and functionaries should make decorous behaviour their leading principle, for the leading principle of the government of the people consists in decorous behaviour.
- Chastise that which is evil and encourage that which is good.
- To turn away from that which is private, and to turn towards that which is public
- Let every man have his own charge, and let not the spheres of duty be confused.
- Decisions on important matters should not be made by one person alone.
[edit]Validity
This constitution remained clearly valid until 29 November 1890, when the
Constitution of the Empire of Japan came into effect. However, since it has never been explicitly abolished, some (Kase Hideaki, et al.) argue that it is still partially valid. The current
Constitution of Japan, established in 1947, only annulled the preceding laws which it contradicts (article 98).
[edit]See also
[edit]References
- W.G. Aston, trans., Nihongi: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to A.D. 697, 2 vols. in 1 (London: Keagan and Co., 1896), vol. 2, pp. 128–133.
[edit]External links
No comments:
Post a Comment