jan 4, 1889 - 1889 Meiji Constitution

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Principles of the Constitution
- Emperor is a father like figure and the citizens are the children
- Government by men is better that a government by laws
- Obligations are more important than rights
- Men are not equal by nature

The constitution created an elected parliament, the Diet. The Japanese believed by creating the Diet, this will provide a good environment for national growth, win the respect of the Westerners, and build support for the modern state. The constitution was believed to be given to the people by the emperor and only the emperor and his advisors could amend it.

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