House of Representatives
Quick Summary
The Japanese government operates as a constitutional monarchy with a national legislature called the Diet. The Diet consists of two houses: the House of Councillors and the House of Representatives.1
The House of Representatives is the lower house and has 465 members. These members are elected through a mixed system: 289 from single-member districts and 176 through proportional representation in regional blocs. Representatives serve four-year terms, but the house can be dissolved by the cabinet, triggering an election within 40 days.2
The House of Councillors is the upper house and has 248 members. They serve six-year terms, with half elected every three years. While both houses have legislative power, the House of Representatives holds more weight in cases of deadlock, particularly concerning the selection of a prime minister or the approval of treaties and budgets.2
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Diet…it within 60 days, the House of Representatives can make it law by repassing it by a two-thirds majority of the members present.
Read More…it within 60 days, the House of Representatives can make it law by repassing it by a two-thirds majority of the members present.
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JapanConstitutional frameworkThe House of Representatives (Shūgiin), or lower house, ultimately takes precedence over the House of Councillors (Sangiin), or upper house, in matters of passing legislation, controlling the budget, and approving treaties with foreign powers. Executive power is vested in the cabinet, which is organized and headed…
Read MoreThe House of Representatives (Shūgiin), or lower house, ultimately takes precedence over the House of Councillors (Sangiin), or upper house, in matters of passing legislation, controlling the budget, and approving treaties with foreign powers. Executive power is vested in the cabinet, which is organized and headed…
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