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Total Categories: 6
The Meiji government was primarily formed by politicians originating from the Kyushu and Shikoku Domains.
Answer: False
The Meiji government was predominantly established by politicians from the Satsuma and Chōshū Domains.
The Meiji oligarchy was responsible for the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Answer: False
The Meiji oligarchy was instrumental in the overthrow, not the establishment, of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Following Tokugawa Yoshinobu's resignation, Japan immediately established a strong, official centralized government.
Answer: False
Immediately following Tokugawa Yoshinobu's resignation, Japan was characterized by a collection of semi-independent domains, not a strong, centralized government.
The *Seitaisho*, drafted by Fukuoka Takachika and Soejima Taneomi, established the *Daijōkan* as the central governmental structure.
Answer: True
The *Seitaisho*, promulgated in June 1868, indeed established the *Daijōkan* as the primary administrative body of the nascent Meiji government.
The *Daijōkan*, as established by the *Seitaisho*, included departments for Legislative, Executive, and Judicial affairs, but excluded Shinto affairs.
Answer: False
The *Daijōkan*, established by the *Seitaisho*, included a Shinto department alongside Legislative and Executive departments, among others.
The Ministry of Finance held the most power in the Meiji government after the 1869 reorganization.
Answer: False
Following the 1869 reorganization, the Home Ministry, responsible for prefectural governance and police, was considered the most powerful.
The *Meiji oligarchy* primarily consisted of politicians from the Tosa and Hizen domains.
Answer: False
The *Meiji oligarchy* was composed mainly of politicians from the Satsuma and Chōshū domains.
The *Satchō Alliance* was a political agreement between the Tosa and Hizen domains to support the Imperial Court.
Answer: False
The *Satchō Alliance* was a military pact between the Satsuma and Chōshū domains, crucial for consolidating power.
The *Seitaisho* blended Western concepts of power division with ancient Japanese bureaucratic structures from the Heian period.
Answer: False
The *Seitaisho* blended Western concepts with bureaucratic structures from the Nara period, not the Heian period.
Who were the primary architects of the Meiji government, and from which domains did they predominantly hail?
Answer: Politicians primarily from the Satsuma and Chōshū Domains, who overthrew the Tokugawa shogunate.
The Meiji government was principally formed by politicians from the Satsuma and Chōshū Domains, who were instrumental in overthrowing the Tokugawa shogunate.
What was the main characteristic of Japan's political landscape immediately following the resignation of Tokugawa Yoshinobu in 1867?
Answer: A collection of semi-independent domains held together by the Satchō Alliance and Imperial Court prestige.
Following Tokugawa Yoshinobu's resignation, Japan lacked a strong centralized government, existing instead as a confederation of domains unified by the Satchō Alliance and Imperial prestige.
The *Seitaisho*, promulgated in June 1868, served as the administrative foundation for the Meiji government by establishing which central structure?
Answer: The *Daijōkan*
The *Seitaisho* established the *Daijōkan* as the central governmental structure, blending Western administrative concepts with traditional Japanese models.
Which of the following was NOT a department within the *Daijōkan* as established by the *Seitaisho*?
Answer: Justice
While the *Daijōkan* included Legislative, Shinto, and Finance departments, a separate Justice Ministry was established, distinct from the main *Daijōkan* structure.
Which of the following best describes the *Meiji oligarchy*?
Answer: A group of politicians, mainly from Satsuma and Chōshū, who led the government after overthrowing the shogunate.
The *Meiji oligarchy* comprised key political figures, predominantly from the Satsuma and Chōshū domains, who directed the government following the Meiji Restoration.
What was the primary function of the *Daijōkan* in the early Meiji government?
Answer: To act as the central governmental structure with multiple departments.
The *Daijōkan* served as the principal central governmental structure, encompassing various departments responsible for administration.
The *Fuhanken Sanchisei* policy aimed to decentralize power by returning administrative control to the *daimyō*.
Answer: False
The *Fuhanken Sanchisei* policy was designed to centralize administration by replacing domains with prefectures governed by central appointees, not to return power to the *daimyō*.
Edo was renamed Tokyo in 1869, signifying its new role as the Western Capital.
Answer: False
Edo was renamed Tokyo in 1869, signifying its new role as the Eastern Capital, not the Western Capital.
Ōkubo Toshimichi's primary objective in March 1869 was to decentralize government by returning territories to the *daimyō*.
Answer: False
Ōkubo Toshimichi's objective in March 1869 was to consolidate power and centralize government by convincing *daimyō* to surrender their territories to the Emperor.
The abolition of the *han* (domains) in 1871 led to widespread violence and resistance from the *daimyō*.
Answer: False
The abolition of the *han* in 1871 was achieved without significant violence or resistance, establishing Japan as a unified, centralized state.
How did the *Fuhanken Sanchisei* policy contribute to the centralization of Meiji Japan?
Answer: It divided territory into urban and rural prefectures administered by central government agents.
The *Fuhanken Sanchisei* policy centralized administration by dividing the country into prefectures governed by centrally appointed officials, thereby diminishing the autonomy of former domains.
What was the significance of renaming Edo to Tokyo in 1869?
Answer: It symbolized a shift in political and administrative focus to the new Eastern Capital.
The renaming of Edo to Tokyo in 1869 signified the relocation of the imperial capital and a symbolic shift in the nation's political center to the east.
The abolition of the *han* (domains) in 1871 was a crucial step towards creating a unified state. What was a key outcome of this process?
Answer: The country was consolidated into 72 prefectures and 3 municipalities, headed by central government appointees.
The abolition of the *han* in 1871 resulted in the consolidation of Japan into prefectures administered by central appointees, establishing a unified state.
The abolition of the *han* system in 1871 was a significant move because it:
Answer: Established Japan as a fully centralized state.
The abolition of the *han* system in 1871 was a pivotal step that consolidated Japan into a unified, centralized state.
The Charter Oath, promulgated in April 1868, outlined specific economic policies for Japan's modernization.
Answer: False
The Charter Oath outlined broad principles for Japan's development and modernization, rather than specific economic policies.
Consultative assemblies established in 1871 at local levels held significant legislative power over prefectural matters.
Answer: False
These consultative assemblies, established in 1871, primarily served as a safety valve for public opinion and lacked significant legislative power.
Itagaki Taisuke advocated for a constitutional monarchy and a national assembly, influenced by British political doctrines.
Answer: False
Itagaki Taisuke advocated for a constitutional monarchy and a national assembly, but his movement, the *Jiyūtō*, was particularly influenced by French political doctrines.
The *Tosa Memorial* of 1874 criticized the Meiji oligarchy and called for the establishment of a representative government.
Answer: True
The *Tosa Memorial*, presented in 1874, was a significant critique of the Meiji oligarchy's unchecked power and a strong call for representative governance.
The Osaka Conference of 1875 led to the establishment of an appointed Council of Elders (*Genrōin*) tasked with reviewing constitutional proposals.
Answer: True
The Osaka Conference of 1875 was a significant step towards constitutionalism, resulting in the creation of the *Genrōin* (Council of Elders) to review constitutional drafts.
Which document, promulgated in April 1868, outlined the broad principles for Japan's development and modernization?
Answer: The Charter Oath
The Charter Oath, promulgated in April 1868, served as a foundational declaration of the new government's aims for modernization and national development.
What was the primary motivation behind the formation of the *Freedom and People's Rights Movement*?
Answer: To advocate for a constitutional monarchy and a national assembly.
The *Freedom and People's Rights Movement* was primarily motivated by a desire to establish a constitutional monarchy and a national assembly, advocating for greater political participation.
The *Tosa Memorial*, presented in 1874, primarily criticized which aspect of the Meiji government?
Answer: The unbridled power held by the Meiji oligarchy.
The *Tosa Memorial* primarily criticized the concentration of power within the Meiji oligarchy and called for the establishment of representative government.
The Osaka Conference of 1875 was significant because it led to the establishment of:
Answer: An independent judiciary and the Council of Elders (*Genrōin*).
The Osaka Conference of 1875 was pivotal in advancing constitutionalism by establishing an independent judiciary and the *Genrōin* (Council of Elders) to review constitutional proposals.
The *Charter Oath*, promulgated in April 1868, served as:
Answer: A declaration of the new government's aims and principles for modernization.
The *Charter Oath* functioned as a foundational document articulating the Meiji government's objectives and guiding principles for national modernization.
Itagaki Taisuke was a key figure in advocating for representative government, notably through his involvement in which movement?
Answer: The Freedom and People's Rights Movement
Itagaki Taisuke was a leading proponent of representative government, significantly contributing through his leadership in the Freedom and People's Rights Movement.
Itō Hirobumi heavily borrowed from the United States Constitution when drafting Japan's constitution due to its liberal principles.
Answer: False
Itō Hirobumi primarily drew upon the Prussian model for the Meiji Constitution, finding the U.S. Constitution too liberal and the British system too parliamentary.
The *kazoku* peerage system, established in 1884, comprised only two ranks: prince and marquis.
Answer: False
The *kazoku* peerage system included five ranks: prince, marquis, count, viscount, and baron.
In 1885, the Council of State was replaced by a Cabinet headed by Itō Hirobumi, and traditional advisory positions were abolished.
Answer: True
The 1885 reorganization replaced the Council of State with a Cabinet system led by Itō Hirobumi, abolishing older advisory roles.
The Supreme War Council was established to limit the military's influence on civilian government.
Answer: False
The Supreme War Council was established to strengthen state authority and ensure the military's direct access to the Emperor, rather than to limit its influence.
The 1889 Constitution established a Cabinet of ministers directly responsible to the legislature.
Answer: False
Under the 1889 Constitution, the Cabinet of ministers was directly responsible to the Emperor, not the legislature.
Initially, the franchise for the House of Representatives under the Meiji Constitution allowed approximately 10% of the population to vote.
Answer: False
The initial franchise for the House of Representatives was highly restricted, allowing only about 1% of the population to vote.
According to the Meiji Constitution, ultimate sovereignty resided in the people, reflecting a democratic foundation.
Answer: False
The Meiji Constitution vested ultimate sovereignty in the Emperor, reflecting an authoritarian rather than a democratic foundation.
The first national election in Japan was held in 1890, with 300 members elected to the lower house.
Answer: True
The inaugural national election for the House of Representatives, comprising 300 members, took place in 1890.
Which European constitutional model did Itō Hirobumi and other conservatives favor for Japan, and why?
Answer: The Prussian model, as it allowed for a strong monarchy and centralized authority.
Itō Hirobumi and conservatives favored the Prussian model for its emphasis on a strong monarchy and centralized authority, deeming it more suitable for Japan than the liberal American or parliamentary British models.
The *kazoku* peerage system, established in 1884, was created by granting titles to individuals from which groups?
Answer: Old court nobility, former *daimyō*, samurai, and meritorious commoners.
The *kazoku* peerage system incorporated individuals from the traditional court nobility, former *daimyō*, samurai, and those who had rendered meritorious service to the state.
The 1889 Constitution of the Empire of Japan established ministerial responsibility to whom?
Answer: The Emperor
Under the 1889 Constitution, ministers of the Cabinet were directly responsible to the Emperor, not to the legislature.
Where did ultimate sovereignty reside according to the Meiji Constitution of 1889?
Answer: In the Emperor
The Meiji Constitution stipulated that ultimate sovereignty resided with the Emperor, reflecting its monarchical and authoritarian character.
What was the primary leverage the House of Representatives possessed to influence government policies?
Answer: The power to approve or disapprove the national budget.
The House of Representatives' most significant leverage over the government was its constitutional power to approve or reject the national budget.
Which European constitutional model was *least* influential on Itō Hirobumi when drafting Japan's constitution?
Answer: French
While Itō Hirobumi drew heavily from Prussian and British models, the French constitutional model was least influential on his drafting of the Meiji Constitution.
The Imperial Diet, established by the 1889 Constitution, consisted of:
Answer: A popularly elected House of Representatives and an appointed House of Peers.
The Imperial Diet, established by the 1889 Constitution, comprised two chambers: a popularly elected House of Representatives and an appointed House of Peers.
The *Meiji Constitution* is characterized by:
Answer: An authoritarian character with ultimate sovereignty residing in the Emperor.
The *Meiji Constitution* is characterized by its authoritarian framework, wherein ultimate sovereignty was vested in the Emperor.
Okuma Shigenobu's *Rikken Kaishintō* favored French political doctrines, similar to Itagaki's *Jiyūtō*.
Answer: False
Okuma Shigenobu's *Rikken Kaishintō* advocated for a British-style constitutional democracy, contrasting with the *Jiyūtō*'s French-influenced approach.
The *Rikken Teiseitō* was a liberal party formed to challenge the government's authoritarian structure.
Answer: False
The *Rikken Teiseitō* was a pro-government party established to counter the influence of liberal parties and support the existing authoritarian structure.
The Public Assembly Law of 1880 allowed civil servants to attend political gatherings freely.
Answer: False
The Public Assembly Law of 1880 restricted political gatherings, notably prohibiting civil servants from attending.
In the early years of constitutional government, the *genrō* (elder statesmen) were formally part of the legislative process.
Answer: False
The *genrō* operated as an extraconstitutional body, advising the Emperor and making key decisions, rather than being formally integrated into the legislative process.
The *Kenseitō*-led coalition cabinet formed in 1898 collapsed due to external pressure from the *genrō*.
Answer: False
The *Kenseitō*-led coalition cabinet collapsed due to an internal split within the *Kenseitō* party itself.
Yamagata Aritomo, upon returning as prime minister, formed an alliance with the *Kaishintō* party.
Answer: False
Upon returning as prime minister, Yamagata Aritomo formed an alliance with the *Kenseitō* party, not the *Kaishintō*.
The *Rikken Seiyūkai* was a progovernment party formed in 1900, instrumental in establishing party politics.
Answer: True
The *Rikken Seiyūkai*, founded in 1900 under Itō Hirobumi's guidance, was a significant progovernment party that played a key role in the development of party politics.
The *Rikken Dōshikai*, formed in 1913, was a party that supported the continuation of *genrō* politics.
Answer: False
The *Rikken Dōshikai* was formed by conservative forces challenging established parties and *genrō* politics, not supporting its continuation.
Which political party, founded in 1882 by Okuma Shigenobu, advocated for a British-style constitutional democracy?
Answer: Rikken Kaishintō
The *Rikken Kaishintō*, founded by Okuma Shigenobu in 1882, advocated for a constitutional democracy modeled after the British system.
What legislative measure did the Meiji government enact in 1880 to control political gatherings?
Answer: The Public Assembly Law
The Public Assembly Law, enacted in 1880, imposed significant restrictions on political gatherings, requiring police permission and prohibiting civil servants from attending.
Who were the *genrō* in the early constitutional period of Japan?
Answer: An extraconstitutional body of elite members from Satsuma and Chōshū who made key decisions.
The *genrō* were an informal council of elder statesmen, predominantly from Satsuma and Chōshū, who wielded significant influence over government policy outside formal constitutional structures.
What led to the collapse of the *Kenseitō*-led coalition cabinet in 1898?
Answer: A split within the *Kenseitō* party itself into two factions.
The *Kenseitō*-led coalition cabinet collapsed due to internal divisions within the party, which fractured into two distinct factions.
Yamagata Aritomo, upon returning as prime minister, secured Diet support for his budgets and tax increases by implementing reforms including:
Answer: Introducing secret ballots and expanding the House of Representatives.
Yamagata Aritomo secured Diet support by introducing reforms such as secret ballots and expanding the membership of the House of Representatives.
The *Rikken Seiyūkai*, formed in 1900, was primarily associated with which political figure?
Answer: Itō Hirobumi
The *Rikken Seiyūkai*, established in 1900, was closely associated with Itō Hirobumi, who played a key role in its formation.
The *Rikken Dōshikai*, formed in 1913, was significant because it represented:
Answer: A challenge to established parties and *genrō* politics by conservative forces.
The formation of the *Rikken Dōshikai* in 1913 signified a conservative challenge to the established political order and the influence of *genrō* politics.
The *Rikken Teiseitō* was established primarily to:
Answer: Support the existing authoritarian structure against liberal parties.
The *Rikken Teiseitō* was founded primarily to bolster the existing authoritarian governmental structure and counter the influence of liberal political movements.
What was the role of the *genrō* (elder statesmen) in the early constitutional period?
Answer: They advised the Emperor and collectively made key political decisions.
The *genrō* served as influential advisors to the Emperor, collectively shaping key political decisions outside formal governmental structures.
The alternating prime ministership between Katsura Tarō and Saionji Kinmochi after 1901 signified a decline in party politics.
Answer: False
The alternating prime ministership between Katsura and Saionji indicated a growing ability for political factions to cooperate and share power, fostering party politics.
In 1911, Japan successfully revised unequal treaties, asserting its sovereignty on the international stage.
Answer: True
Japan achieved a significant diplomatic success in 1911 by revising the unequal treaties, thereby regaining full sovereignty in its international relations.
The Meiji era concluded in 1912 with Emperor Meiji abdicating due to economic challenges.
Answer: False
The Meiji era concluded in 1912 with the death of Emperor Meiji, not his abdication, and Japan faced economic challenges at that time.
The Taishō political crisis began when the army minister supported the Prime Minister's decision to cut the military budget.
Answer: False
The Taishō political crisis was triggered when the army minister resigned in protest against proposed military budget cuts by the Prime Minister.
What did the alternating prime ministership between Katsura Tarō and Saionji Kinmochi after 1901 signify?
Answer: The growing ability of political factions to cooperate and share power.
The alternating premiership between Katsura and Saionji after 1901 signaled an increasing capacity for cooperation among political factions and the maturation of party politics.
What major international legal achievement did Japan accomplish in 1911?
Answer: Japan successfully revised unequal treaties with Western powers.
A pivotal international legal achievement in 1911 was Japan's successful revision of unequal treaties, thereby restoring its full sovereign rights.
The political crisis at the beginning of the Taishō era was triggered when:
Answer: The army minister resigned in protest against proposed military budget cuts.
The Taishō political crisis commenced when the army minister resigned in protest against the Prime Minister's proposal to reduce the military budget.
What significant international legal change occurred in 1911 during the Meiji era?
Answer: Japan successfully revised unequal treaties with Western powers.
A pivotal international legal achievement in 1911 was Japan's successful revision of unequal treaties, thereby restoring its full sovereign rights.