Page:The constitution of Japan - with the laws pertaining thereto, and the imperial oath and speech. Promulgated at the Imperial palace, February 11th, 1889 (IA cu31924023459880).pdf/10

4 —The Emperor is the head of the Empire, combining in Himself the rights of sovereignty, and exercises them according to the provisions of the present Constitution.

—The Emperor exercises the legislative power with the consent of the Imperial Diet.

—The Emperor gives sanction to laws, and orders them to be promulgated and executed.

—The Emperor convokes the Imperial Diet, opens, closes, and prorogues it, and dissolves the House of Representatives.

—The Emperor, in consequence of an urgent necessity to maintain public safety or to avert public calamities, issues, when the Imperial Diet is not sitting, Imperial Ordinances in the place of law.

Such Imperial Ordinances are to be laid before the Imperial Diet at its next session, and when the Diet does not approve the said Ordinances, the Government shall declare them to be invalid for the future.

—The Emperor issues or causes to be issued, the Ordinances necessary for the carrying out of the laws, or for the maintenance of the public peace and order, and for the promotion of the welfare of the subjects. But no Ordinance shall in any way alter any of the existing laws.

—The Emperor determines the organization of the different branches of the administration, and the salaries of all civil and military officers, and appoints and dismisses the same. Exceptions especially provided for in the present Constitution or in other laws, shall be in accordance with the respective provisions (bearing thereon).

—The Emperor has the supreme command of the Army and Navy.

—The Emperor determines the organization and peace standing of the Army and Navy.

—The Emperor declares war, makes peace, and concludes treaties.

—The Emperor proclaims the law of siege.

The conditions and effects of the law of siege shall be determined by law.

—The Emperor confers titles of nobility, rank, orders and other marks of honour.

—The Emperor orders amnesty, pardon, commutation of punishments, and rehabilitation.

—A Regency shall be instituted in conformity with the provisions of the Imperial House Law.

The Regent shall exercise the powers appertaining to the Emperor in His name.

—The conditions necessary for being a Japanese subject shall be determined by law.

—Japanese subjects may, according to qualifications determined in laws or ordinances, be appointed to civil or military offices equally, and may fill any other public offices.

—Japanese subjects are amenable to service in the Army or Navy, according to the provisions of law.