Political Systems

【Political Systems】 Common Test Study Notes

Hello everyone! How is your "Politics and Economics" study going?
When you hear "political systems," many of you might think, "It’s full of difficult kanji—this sounds tough." But don't worry! Politics is simply the way we decide the "rules" for living comfortably in society. It’s easier to understand if you imagine the school regulations at your school or the rules of a sport.
In this article, I’ve condensed the key points that appear on the Common Test so that even beginners can understand them clearly. Let’s take it one step at a time, together!

1. Foundations of Democratic Politics and the "Social Contract Theory"

The foundation of modern politics is "Democracy." This is the idea that "decisions about everyone should be made by everyone." Let’s learn about three important figures who shaped this idea.

Social Contract Theory: The State is a "Promise Among Everyone"

In old Europe, people believed that "the king's power is given by God! (Divine Right of Kings)." However, a new idea emerged: "No, the state was created by a contract (promise) made by the people!" This is the Social Contract Theory.

• Hobbes: Author of Leviathan. He argued that if left alone, humans would fight ("war of all against all"), so we should entrust our rights to a strong power (like a king) for the sake of peace.
• Locke: Author of Two Treatises of Government. He believed the state exists to protect the people's rights (life, liberty, and property). If the government acts arbitrarily, the people have the right of resistance (right to revolution). (← Influenced the American Declaration of Independence!)
• Rousseau: Author of The Social Contract. He advocated for politics based on the common interest of everyone (General Will) and viewed direct democracy as the ideal. (← Influenced the French Revolution!)

【Tip】 This will be on the test!
Be sure to grasp the difference: Locke emphasized "entrusting power to representatives (indirect democracy)," while Rousseau emphasized "deciding directly for ourselves (direct democracy)"!

2. Rule of Law and Constitutionalism

To prevent politicians from doing whatever they want by saying, "I am the law!", we have a mechanism called the "Rule of Law."

"Rule of Law" vs. "Rule by Law"

• Rule of Law: The idea that "even the king is under the law." It binds those who wield power with law to protect the freedom of the people. (British and American tradition)
• Rule by Law: The idea of "using law as a tool to rule the people." As long as the form of the law is in place, the content is not questioned. (Historical German style)

【Trivia】
The quote by British judge Coke, "The king should be under no man, but under God and the law," is a super-frequent phrase! Quoting Bracton, it means "even someone in power must follow the rules!"

Constitutionalism

The idea of establishing a constitution to limit political power through that constitution and protect the rights of the people is called Constitutionalism. A constitution is not just something "for the people to follow," but rather has a strong aspect of being "something for those in power to follow."

3. Major Global Political Systems

There are two main styles of democratic politics in the world. It’s easy to compare them by looking at Japan and the United States.

① Parliamentary Cabinet System (UK, Japan, etc.)

A system where the Cabinet is formed based on the trust of the Parliament (legislature).
・Legislative (Diet) and Executive (Cabinet) working together: The Prime Minister is chosen from among the members of the Diet.
・Responsibility: The Cabinet is collectively responsible to the Diet. If the Diet feels, "We can no longer trust them!", they can pass a vote of no-confidence.

② Presidential System (USA, etc.)

A system where the President, elected by the people, holds strong authority.
・Strict Separation of Powers: The President cannot simultaneously serve as a member of Congress. Furthermore, the President does not have the right to dissolve Congress. (← This is a common point of confusion!)
・Checks and Balances: The President has the right to say "No!" to bills passed by Congress (the power of veto / sending messages to Congress).

【Common Mistake】
The U.S. President does not have the power to dissolve Congress. Also, the President basically does not attend Congress to make speeches (they communicate their intentions by sending messages).

4. Japan’s Political Structure and Separation of Powers

Finally, let’s review the system in Japan where we live. Because concentrating power in one place makes it easy for dictatorship to arise, it is divided into three branches that check one another (Separation of Powers).

① The Diet (Legislative Power): The sole law-making organ of the state. They create laws.
② The Cabinet (Executive Power): Carries out actual politics based on the laws and budgets decided by the Diet.
③ The Courts (Judicial Power): Resolve disputes and check if laws are being violated. They also serve as the "Guardian of the Constitution" by checking if laws violate the Constitution.

Checks and Balances

• From Diet to Cabinet: Designates the Prime Minister. Passes votes of no-confidence.
• From Cabinet to Diet: Dissolves the House of Representatives.
• From Courts to Diet/Cabinet: Power of Judicial Review (checking if laws or actions violate the Constitution).

【Tip】 It might feel difficult at first, but you'll be fine!
If you draw the separation of powers diagram (the triangle with arrows) in your notebook yourself, it will sink into your brain surprisingly well. Pay close attention to the relationships across the diagonal (such as the relationship between the Diet and the Cabinet).

Summary: Key Points for this Lesson

1. Social Contract Theory: Note the differences between Locke (right of resistance) and Rousseau (general will)!
2. Rule of Law: The idea of binding those in power with law to protect the people's freedom.
3. Global Systems: Master the difference between Japan’s "Parliamentary Cabinet System" and America’s "Presidential System."
4. Separation of Powers: Understand the system where the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches check each other.

Great work! Once you understand the basics of politics, watching the news becomes a little more fun. Even just thinking, "Which part of the separation of powers is this news related to?" is excellent study for your exams. I'm rooting for you!