The National Diet Building in Tokyo. We desire to occupy an honored place in an international society striving for the preservation of peace, and the banishment of tyranny and slavery, oppression and intolerance for all time from the earth. The Constitution differs in many important respects from the Meiji Constitution of 1889.
Sovereign power rests with the people.
It also renounces the threat or the use of force as means of settling disputes with other nations. The House of Representatives has preeminence over the House of Councillors. Thus, for example, he appoints the prime minister and the chief justice of the Supreme Court. The prime minister, however, is first designated by the Diet, and the chief justice by the cabinet. The Emperor also performs such acts on behalf of the people as promulgating laws and treaties, convoking the Diet, and awarding honors, all with the advice and approval of the cabinet.