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大日本帝国憲法 （いわゆる明治憲法） Constitution Of The Empire Of Japan 明治22年2月11日公布 第一章 天皇 Chapter I. The Emperor 第一条 大日本帝国ハ万世一系ノ天皇之ヲ統治ス Article 1. The Empire of Japan shall be reigned over and governed by a line of Emperors unbroken for ages eternal. 第二条 皇位ハ皇室典範ノ定ムル所ニ依リ皇男子孫之ヲ継承ス Article 2. The Imperial Throne shall be succeeded to by Imperial male descendants, according to the provisions of the Imperial House Law. 第三条 天皇ハ神聖ニシテ侵スベカラズ Article 3. The Emperor is sacred and inviolable. 第四条 天皇ハ国ノ元首ニシテ統治権ヲ総攬シ、此ノ憲法ノ条規ニ依リ之ヲ行フ Article 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. ◆総攬: 一手に掌握すること。第五条 天皇ハ帝国議会ノ協賛ヲ以テ立法権ヲ行フ Article 5. The Emperor exercises the legislative power with the consent of the Imperial Diet. ◆協賛: 天皇の法律・予算を制定する権能を補佐するために帝国議会が与える事前の同意。事後の同意である承諾の反対。 第六条 天皇ハ法律ヲ裁可シ、其ノ公布及執行ヲ命ズ Article 6. The Emperor gives sanction to laws, and orders them to be promulgated and executed. 第七条 天皇ハ帝国議会ヲ召集シ、其ノ開会閉会停会及衆議院ノ解散ヲ命ズ Article 7. The Emperor convokes the Imperial Diet, opens, closes, and prorogues it, and dissolves the House of Representatives. 第八条 Article 8. １ 天皇ハ公共ノ安全ヲ保持シ又ハ其ノ災厄ヲ避クル為、緊急ノ必要ニ由リ、帝国議会閉会ノ場合ニ於テ、法律ニ代ルベキ勅令ヲ発ス 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. ２ 此ノ勅令ハ、次ノ会期ニ於テ帝国議会ニ提出スベシ。若議会ニ於テ承諾セザルトキハ、政府ハ将来ニ向テ其ノ効力ヲ失フコトヲ公布スベシ (2) 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. 第九条 天皇ハ、法律ヲ執行スル為ニ又ハ公共ノ安寧秩序ヲ保持シ及臣民ノ幸福ヲ増進スル為ニ、必要ナル命令ヲ発シ又ハ発セシム。但シ、命令ヲ以テ法律ヲ変更スルコトヲ得ズ Article 9. 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. 第十条 天皇ハ行政各部ノ官制及文武官ノ俸給ヲ定メ及文武官ヲ任免ス。但シ、此ノ憲法又ハ他ノ法律ニ特例ヲ掲ゲタルモノハ各々其ノ条項ニ依ル Article 10. The Emperor determines the organization of the different branches of the administration, and 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). 第十一条 天皇ハ陸海軍ヲ統帥ス Article 11. The Emperor has the supreme command of the Army and Navy. 第十二条 天皇ハ陸海軍ノ編制及常備兵額ヲ定ム Article 12. The Emperor determines the organization and peace standing of the Army and Navy. 第十三条 天皇ハ戦ヲ宣シ和ヲ講シ及諸般ノ条約ヲ締結ス Article 13. The Emperor declares war, makes peace, and concludes treaties. 第十四条 Article 14. １ 天皇ハ戒厳ヲ宣告ス The Emperor declares a state of siege. ２ 戒厳ノ要件及効力ハ法律ヲ以テ之ヲ定ム (2) The conditions and effects of a state of siege shall be determined by law. 第十五条 天皇ハ爵位勲章及其ノ他ノ栄典ヲ授与ス Article 15. The Emperor confers titles of nobility, rank, orders and other marks of honor. 第十六条 天皇ハ大赦特赦減刑及復権ヲ命ズ Article 16. The Emperor orders amnesty, pardon, commutation of punishments and rehabilitation. 第十七条 Article 17. １ 摂政ヲ置クハ皇室典範ノ定ムル所ニ依ル A Regency shall be instituted in conformity with the provisions of the Imperial House Law. ２ 摂政ハ天皇ノ名ニ於テ大権ヲ行フ (2) The Regent shall exercise the powers appertaining to the Emperor in His name. 第二章 臣民権利義務 Chapter II. Rights And Duties Of Subjects 第十八条 日本臣民タルノ要件ハ法律ノ定ムル所ニ依ル Article 18. The conditions necessary for being a Japanese subject shall be determined by law. 第十九条 日本臣民ハ、法律命令ノ定ムル所ノ資格ニ応ジ、均ク文武官ニ任セラレ及其ノ他ノ公務ニ就クコトヲ得 Article 19. Japanese subjects may, according to qualifications determined in laws or ordinances, be appointed to civil or military or any other public offices equally. 第二十条 日本臣民ハ法律ノ定ムル所ニ従ヒ兵役ノ義務ヲ有ス Article 20. Japanese subjects are amenable to service in the Army or Navy, according to the provisions of law. 第二十一条 日本臣民ハ法律ノ定ムル所ニ従ヒ納税ノ義務ヲ有ス Article 21. Japanese subjects are amenable to the duty of paying taxes, according to the provisions of law. 第二十二条 日本臣民ハ法律ノ範囲内ニ於テ居住及移転ノ自由ヲ有ス Article 22. Japanese subjects shall have the liberty of abode and of changing the same within the limits of the law. 第二十三条 日本臣民ハ法律ニ依ルニ非ズシテ逮捕監禁審問処罰ヲ受クルコトナシ Article 23. No Japanese subject shall be arrested, detained, tried or punished, unless according to law. 第二十四条 日本臣民ハ法律ニ定メタル裁判官ノ裁判ヲ受クルノ権ヲ奪ハルゝコトナシ Article 24. No Japanese subject shall be deprived of his right of being tried by the judges determined by law. 第二十五条 日本臣民ハ、法律ニ定メタル場合ヲ除ク外、其ノ許諾ナクシテ住所ニ侵入セラレ及捜索セラルヽコトナシ Article 25. Except in the cases provided for in the law, the house of no Japanese subject shall be entered or searched without his consent. 第二十六条 日本臣民ハ、法律ニ定メタル場合ヲ除ク外、信書ノ秘密ヲ侵サルゝコトナシ Article 26. Except in the cases mentioned in the law, the secrecy of the letters of every Japanese subject shall remain inviolate. 第二十七条 Article 27. １ 日本臣民ハ其ノ所有権ヲ侵サルゝコトナシ The right of property of every Japanese subject shall remain inviolate. ２ 公益ノ為必要ナル処分ハ法律ノ定ムル所ニ依ル (2) Measures necessary to be taken for the public benefit shall be any provided for by law. 第二十八条 日本臣民ハ、安寧秩序ヲ妨ゲズ及臣民タルノ義務ニ背カザル限ニ於テ、信教ノ自由ヲ有ス Article 28. Japanese subjects shall, within limits not prejudicial to peace and order, and not antagonistic to their duties as subjects, enjoy freedom of religious belief. 第二十九条 日本臣民ハ法律ノ範囲内ニ於テ言論著作印行集会及結社ノ自由ヲ有ス Article 29. Japanese subjects shall, within the limits of law, enjoy the liberty of speech, writing, publication, public meetings and associations. 第三十条 日本臣民ハ相当ノ敬礼ヲ守リ別ニ定ムル所ノ規程ニ従ヒ請願ヲ為スコトヲ得 Article 30. Japanese subjects may present petitions, by observing the proper forms of respect, and by complying with the rules specially provided for the same. 第三十一条 本章ニ掲ゲタル条規ハ、戦時又ハ国家事変ノ場合ニ於テ天皇大権ノ施行ヲ妨グルコトナシ Article 31. The provisions contained in the present Chapter shall not affect the exercises of the powers appertaining to the Emperor, in times of war or in cases of a national emergency. 第三十二条 本章ニ掲ゲタル条規ハ、陸海軍ノ法令又ハ紀律ニ牴触セザルモノニ限リ、軍人ニ準行ス Article 32. Each and every one of the provisions contained in the preceding Articles of the present Chapter, that are not in conflict with the laws or the rules and discipline of the Army and Navy, shall apply to the officers and men of the Army and of the Navy. 第三章 帝国議会 Chapter III. The Imperial Diet 第三十三条 帝国議会ハ貴族院衆議院ノ両院ヲ以テ成立ス Article 33. The Imperial Diet shall consist of two Houses, a House of Peers and a House of Representatives. 第三十四条 貴族院ハ、貴族院令ノ定ムル所ニ依リ、皇族華族及勅任セラレタル議員ヲ以テ組織ス Article 34. The House of Peers shall, in accordance with the ordinance concerning the House of Peers, be composed of the members of the Imperial Family, of the orders of nobility, and of those who have been nominated thereto by the Emperor. 第三十五条 衆議院ハ、選挙法ノ定ムル所ニ依リ、公選セラレタル議員ヲ以テ組織ス Article 35. The House of Representatives shall be composed of members elected by the people, according to the provisions of the law of Election. 第三十六条 何人モ同時ニ両議院ノ議員タルコトヲ得ズ Article 36. No one can at one and the same time be a Member of both Houses. 第三十七条 凡テ法律ハ帝国議会ノ協賛ヲ経ルヲ要ス Article 37. Every law requires the consent of the Imperial Diet. 第三十八条 両議院ハ政府ノ提出スル法律案ヲ議決シ及各々法律案ヲ提出スルコトヲ得 Article 38. Both Houses shall vote upon projects of law submitted to it by the Government, and may respectively initiate projects of law. 第三十九条 両議院ノ一ニ於テ否決シタル法律案ハ、同会期中ニ於テ再ビ提出スルコトヲ得ズ Article 39. A Bill, which has been rejected by either the one or the other of the two Houses, shall not be brought in again during the same session. 第四十条 両議院ハ、法律又ハ其ノ他ノ事件ニ付、各々其ノ意見ヲ政府ニ建議スルコトヲ得。但シ、其ノ採納ヲ得ザルモノハ同会期中ニ於テ再ビ建議スルコトヲ得ズ Article 40. Both Houses can make representations to the Government, as to laws or upon any other subject. When, however, such representations are not accepted, they cannot be made a second time during the same session. 第四十一条 帝国議会ハ毎年之ヲ召集ス Article 41. The Imperial Diet shall be convoked every year. 第四十二条 帝国議会ハ三箇月ヲ以テ会期トス。必要アル場合ニ於テハ、勅命ヲ以テ之ヲ延長スルコトアルベシ Article 42. A session of the Imperial Diet shall last during three months. In case of necessity, the duration of a session may be prolonged by the Imperial Order. 第四十三条 Article 43. １ 臨時緊急ノ必要アル場合ニ於テ、常会ノ外、臨時会ヲ召集スベシ When urgent necessity arises, an extraordinary session may be convoked in addition to the ordinary one. ２ 臨時会ノ会期ヲ定ムルハ勅命ニ依ル (2) The duration of an extraordinary session shall be determined by Imperial Order. 第四十四条 Article 44. １ 帝国議会ノ開会閉会会期ノ延長及停会ハ両院同時ニ之ヲ行フベシ The opening, closing, prolongation of session and prorogation of the Imperial Diet, shall be effected simultaneously for both Houses. ２ 衆議院解散ヲ命ゼラレタルトキハ、貴族院ハ同時ニ停会セラルベシ (2) In case the House of Representatives has been ordered to dissolve, the House of Peers shall at the same time be prorogued. 第四十五条 衆議院解散ヲ命ゼラレタルトキハ、勅令ヲ以テ新ニ議員ヲ選挙セシメ、解散ノ日ヨリ五箇月以内ニ之ヲ召集スベシ Article 45. When the House of Representatives has been ordered to dissolve, Members shall be caused by Imperial Order to be newly elected, and the new House shall be convoked within five months from the day of dissolution. 第四十六条 両議院ハ、各々其ノ総議員三分ノ一以上出席スルニ非ザレバ、議事ヲ開キ議決ヲ為ス事ヲ得ズ Article 46. No debate can be opened and no vote can be taken in either House of the Imperial Diet, unless not less than one-third of the whole number of Members thereof is present. 第四十七条 両議院ノ議事ハ過半数ヲ以テ決ス。可否同数ナルトキハ議長ノ決スル所ニ依ル Article 47. Votes shall be taken in both Houses by absolute majority. In the case of a tie vote, the President shall have the casting vote. 第四十八条 両議院ノ会議ハ公開ス。但シ、政府ノ要求又ハ其ノ院ノ決議ニ依リ秘密会ト為スコトヲ得 Article 48. The deliberations of both Houses shall be held in public. The deliberations may, however, upon demand of the Government or by resolution of the House, be held in secret sitting. 第四十九条 両議院ハ各々天皇ニ上奏スルコトヲ得 Article 49. Both Houses of the Imperial Diet may respectively present addresses to the Emperor. 第五十条 両議院ハ臣民ヨリ呈出スル請願書ヲ受クルコトヲ得 Article 50. Both Houses may receive petitions presented by subjects. 第五十一条 両議院ハ、此ノ憲法及議院法ニ掲グルモノゝ外、内部ノ整理ニ必要ナル諸規則ヲ定ムルコトヲ得 Article 51. Both Houses may enact, besides what is provided for in the present Constitution and in the Law of the Houses, rules necessary for the management of their internal affairs. 第五十二条 両議院ノ議員ハ、議院ニ於テ発言シタル意見及表決ニ付、院外ニ於テ責ヲ負フコトナシ。但シ、議員自ラ其ノ言論ヲ演説刊行筆記又ハ其ノ他ノ方法ヲ以テ公布シタルトキハ、一般ノ法律ニ依リ処分セラルベシ Article 52. No Member of either House shall be held responsible outside the respective Houses, for any opinion uttered or for any vote given in the House. When, however, a Member himself has given publicity to his opinions by public speech, by documents in print or in writing, or by any other similar means, he shall, in the matter, be amenable to the general law. 第五十三条 両議院ノ議員ハ、現行犯罪又ハ内乱外患ニ関ル罪ヲ除ク外、会期中其ノ院ノ許諾ナクシテ逮捕サルゝコトナシ Article 53. The Members of both Houses shall, during the session, be free from arrest, unless with the consent of the House, except in cases of flagrant delicto, or of offenses connected with a state of internal commotion or with a foreign trouble. 第五十四条 国務大臣及政府委員ハ、何時タリトモ各議院ニ出席シ及発言スルコトヲ得 Article 54. The Ministers of State and the Delegates of the Government may, at any time, take seats and speak in either House. 第四章 国務大臣及枢密顧問 Chapter IV. The Ministers Of State And The Privy Council 第五十五条 Article 55. １ 国務各大臣ハ、天皇ヲ輔弼シ其ノ責ニ任ス The respective Ministers of State shall give their advice to the Emperor, and be responsible for it. ２ 凡テ法律勅令其ノ他国務ニ関ル詔勅ハ、国務大臣ノ副署ヲ要ス (2) All Laws, Imperial Ordinances, and Imperial Rescripts of whatever kind, that relate to the affairs of the state, require the countersignature of a Minister of State. ◆輔弼: 天皇の行為について進言し、採納を奏請し、その全責任を負うこと。国務上の輔弼は国務大臣、宮務上の輔弼は宮内大臣および内大臣、統帥上の輔弼は参謀総長・軍令部総長の職責であった。 第五十六条 枢密顧問ハ枢密院官制ノ定ムル所ニ依リ天皇ノ諮詢ニ応ヘ重要ノ国務ヲ審議ス Article 56. The Privy Councilors shall, in accordance with the provisions for the organization of the Privy Council, deliberate upon important matters of State when they have been consulted by the Emperor. 第五章 司法 Chapter V. The Judicature 第五十七条 Article 57. １ 司法権ハ天皇ノ名ニ於テ法律ニ依リ裁判所之ヲ行フ The Judicature shall be exercised by the Courts of Law according to law, in the name of the Emperor. ２ 裁判所ノ構成ハ法律ヲ以テ之ヲ定ム (2) The organization of the Courts of Law shall be determined by law. 第五十八条 Article 58. １ 裁判官ハ、法律ニ定メタル資格ヲ具フル者ヲ以テ之ニ任ス The judges shall be appointed from among those, who possess proper qualifications according to law. ２ 裁判官ハ、刑法ノ宣告又ハ懲戒ノ処分ニ由ルノ外、其ノ職ヲ免ゼラルゝコトナシ (2) No judge shall be deprived of his position, unless by way of criminal sentence or disciplinary punishment. ３ 懲戒ノ条規ハ法律ヲ以テ之ヲ定ム (3) Rules for disciplinary punishment shall be determined by law. 第五十九条 裁判ノ対審判決ハ之ヲ公開ス。但シ、安寧秩序又ハ風俗ヲ害スルノ虞アルトキハ、法律ニ依リ又ハ裁判所ノ決議ヲ以テ対審ノ公開ヲ停ムルコトヲ得 Article 59. Trials and judgments of a Court shall be conducted publicly. When, however, there exists any fear, that such publicity may be prejudicial to peace and order, or to the maintenance of public morality, the public trial may be suspended by provisions of law or by the decision of the Court of Law. 第六十条 特別裁判所ノ管轄ニ属スベキモノハ、別ニ法律ヲ以テ之ヲ定ム Article 60. All matters that fall within the competency of a special Court, shall be specially provided for by law. 第六十一条 行政官庁ノ違法処分ニ由リ権利ヲ傷害セラレタリトスルノ訴訟ニシテ別ニ法律ヲ以テ定メタル行政裁判所ノ裁判ニ属スベキモノハ、司法裁判所ニ於テ受理スルノ限ニ在ラズ Article 61. No suit at law, which relates to rights alleged to have been infringed by the illegal measures of the administrative authorities, and which shall come within the competency of the Court of Administrative Litigation specially established by law, shall be taken cognizance of by Court of Law. 第六章 会計 Chapter VI. Finance 第六十二条 Article 62. １ 新ニ租税ヲ課シ及税率ヲ変更スルハ、法律ヲ以テ之ヲ定ムベシ The imposition of a new tax or the modification of the rates (of an existing one) shall be determined by law. ２ 但シ、報償ニ属スル行政上ノ手数料及其ノ他ノ収納金ハ、前項ノ限ニ在ラズ (2) However, all such administrative fees or other revenue having the nature of compensation shall not fall within the category of the above clause. ３ 国債ヲ起シ及予算ニ定メタルモノヲ除ク外、国庫ノ負担トナルベキ契約ヲ為スハ、帝国議会ノ協賛ヲ経ベシ (3) The raising of national loans and the contracting of other liabilities to the charge of the National Treasury, except those that are provided in the Budget, shall require the consent of the Imperial Diet. 第六十三条 現行ノ租税ハ、更ニ法律ヲ以テ之ヲ改メザル限ハ、旧ニ依リ之ヲ徴収ス Article 63. The taxes levied at present shall, in so far as they are not remodeled by a new law, be collected according to the old system. 第六十四条 Article 64. １ 国家ノ歳出歳入ハ、毎年予算ヲ以テ帝国議会ノ協賛ヲ経ベシ The expenditure and revenue of the State require the consent of the Imperial Diet by means of an annual Budget. ２ 予算ノ款項ニ超過シ又ハ予算ノ外ニ生ジタル支出アルトキハ、後日帝国議会ノ承諾ヲ求ムルヲ要ス (2) Any and all expenditures overpassing the appropriations set forth in the Titles and Paragraphs of the Budget, or that are not provided for in the Budget, shall subsequently require the approbation of the Imperial Diet. 第六十五条 予算ハ前ニ衆議院ニ提出スベシ Article 65. The Budget shall be first laid before the House of Representatives. 第六十六条 皇室経費ハ、現在ノ定額ニ依リ毎年国庫ヨリ之ヲ支出シ、将来増額ヲ要スル場合ヲ除ク外、帝国議会ノ協賛ヲ要セズ Article 66. The expenditures of the Imperial House shall be defrayed every year out of the National Treasury, according to the present fixed amount for the same, and shall not require the consent thereto of the Imperial Diet, except in case an increase thereof is found necessary. 第六十七条 憲法上ノ大権ニ基ヅケル既定ノ歳出及法律ノ結果ニ由リ又ハ法律上政府ノ義務ニ属スル歳出ハ、政府ノ同意ナクシテ帝国議会之ヲ廃除シ又ハ削減スルコトヲ得ズ Article 67. Those already fixed expenditures based by the Constitution upon the powers appertaining to the Emperor, and such expenditures as may have arisen by the effect of law, or that appertain to the legal obligations of the Government, shall be neither rejected nor reduced by the Imperial Diet, without the concurrence of the Government. 第六十八条 特別ノ須要ニ因リ政府ハ予メ年限ヲ定メ継続費トシテ帝国議会ノ協賛ヲ求ムルコトヲ得 Article 68. In order to meet special requirements, the Government may ask the consent of the Imperial Diet to a certain amount as a Continuing Expenditure Fund, for a previously fixed number of years. 第六十九条 避クベカラザル予算ノ不足ヲ補フ為ニ又ハ予算ノ外ニ生ジタル必要ノ費用ニ充ツル為ニ、予備費ヲ設クベシ Article 69. In order to supply deficiencies, which are unavoidable, in the Budget, and to meet requirements unprovided for in the same, a Reserve Fund shall be provided in the Budget. 第七十条 Article 70. １ 公共ノ安全ヲ保持スル為、緊急ノ需要アル場合ニ於テ内外ノ情形ニ因リ、政府ハ、帝国議会ヲ召集スルコト能ハザルトキハ、勅令ニ依リ財政上必要ノ処分ヲ為スコトヲ得 When the Imperial Diet cannot be convoked, owing to the external or internal condition of the country, in case of urgent need for the maintenance of public safety, the Government may take all necessary financial measures, by means of an Imperial Ordinance. ２ 前項ノ場合ニ於テハ、次ノ会期ニ於テ帝国議会ニ提出シ、其ノ承諾ヲ求ムルヲ要ス (2) In the case mentioned in the preceding clause, the matter shall be submitted to the Imperial Diet at its next session, and its approbation shall be obtained thereto. 第七十一条 帝国議会ニ於テ予算ヲ議定セズ又ハ予算成立ニ至ラザルトキハ、政府ハ前年度ノ予算ヲ施行スベシ Article 71. When the Imperial Diet has not voted on the Budget, or when the Budget has not been brought into actual existence, the Government shall carry out the Budget of the preceding year. 第七十二条 Article 72. １ 国家ノ歳出歳入ノ決算ハ、会計検査院之ヲ検査確定シ、政府ハ其ノ検査報告ト倶ニ之ヲ帝国議会ニ提出スベシ The final account of the expenditures and revenues of the State shall be verified and confirmed by the Board of Audit, and it shall be submitted by the Government to the Imperial Diet, together with the report of verification of the said board. ２ 会計検査院ノ組織及職権ハ法律ヲ以テ之ヲ定ム (2) The organization and competency of the Board of Audit shall of determined by law separately. 第七章 補則 Chapter VII. Supplementary Rules 第七十三条 Article 73. １ 将来此ノ憲法ノ条項ヲ改正スルノ必要アルトキハ、勅命ヲ以テ議案ヲ帝国議会ノ議ニ付スベシ When it has become necessary in future to amend the provisions of the present Constitution, a project to the effect shall be submitted to the Imperial Diet by Imperial Order. ２ 此ノ場合ニ於テ、両議院ハ、各々其ノ総員三分ノ二以上出席スルニ非ザレバ、議事ヲ開クコトヲ得ズ。出席議員三分ノ二以上ノ多数ヲ得ルニ非ザレバ、改正ノ議決ヲ為スコトヲ得ズ (2) In the above case, neither House can open the debate, unless not less than two-thirds of the whole number of Members are present, and no amendment can be passed, unless a majority of not less than two-thirds of the Members present is obtained. 第七十四条 Article 74. １ 皇室典範ノ改正ハ帝国議会ノ議ヲ経ルヲ要セズ No modification of the Imperial House Law shall be required to be submitted to the deliberation of the Imperial Diet. ２ 皇室典範ヲ以テ此ノ憲法ノ条規ヲ変更スルコトヲ得ズ (2) No provision of the present Constitution can be modified by the Imperial House Law. 第七十五条 憲法及皇室典範ハ、摂政ヲ置クノ間、之ヲ変更スルコトヲ得ズ Article 75. No modification can be introduced into the Constitution, or into the Imperial House Law, during the time of a Regency. 第七十六条 Article 76. １ 法律規則命令又ハ何等ノ名称ヲ用イタルニ拘ラズ、此ノ憲法ニ矛盾セザル現行ノ法令ハ、総テ遵由ノ効力ヲ有ス Existing legal enactments, such as laws, regulations, Ordinances, or by whatever names they may be called, shall, so far as they do not conflict with the present Constitution, continue in force. ２ 歳出上政府ノ義務ニ係ル現在ノ契約又ハ命令ハ、総テ第六十七条ノ例ニ依ル (2) All existing contracts or orders, that entail obligations upon the Government, and that are connected with expenditure, shall come within the scope of Article 67. ◆遵由: 守り従うこと 明治時代に書かれた文章は、戦後の教育を受けた者にとって、かなり読みにくい文章です。ここでは、当時の原文を忠実に再現することよりも、戦後の世代にとって読みやすくなるよう、以下のような変更を加えました。これらの変更によって、明治憲法が親しみやすいものになることを期待します。 1. 文章に句読点を挿入しました。 2. カタカナ書体に濁点をつけました。 3. 旧漢字を新漢字に変更しました。 明治憲法を読んだ私の感想は、「なかなかの憲法じゃないか」という前向きの評価でした。明治22年という段階で、これだけの憲法をつくり、実施できたということを、もっと誇りに思っていいと思います。 明治憲法は、天皇の独裁を許す憲法ではありません。それどころか、第5条、第55条、第64条を読めば、法律をつくり、詔勅をつくり、国家予算を審議して国を動かしていたのは議会や政府だったことがわかります。 ただ、惜しいことには、明治憲法には総理大臣や首相という言葉が出てきません。したがって、その権限もきわめて弱いものでした。それが昭和初期の、相次ぐ短命内閣の誕生につながっていきます。 それと似ていますが、政府と軍部の関係も明確ではありません。そこを突かれたのが、例の「統帥権干犯」問題です。結局、政府は軍部を制御できなくなっていきます。シビリアン・コントロールの崩壊が生じたのです。 権限の分散は、基本的にはいいことだと思います。しかし、昭和初期の日本の場合、権限を分散しすぎたための弊害が多く出たように思います。政府と軍部の間だけにとどまらず、陸軍と海軍にも調整がなく、さらには現地軍が勝手に動くという有様でした。 さしたる勝算もないまま、中国共産党や米英の挑発にのって、ズルズルと戦争への道を歩んでいきました。強力なリーダー(首相)がいれば、もっと別の歴史になっていたのかもしれません。 それに、どんな憲法であれ、この世に万全なものは存在しません。万全な憲法が存在すると夢想するのは、“平和憲法護持”などと唱えて憲法改正に反対する、超保守的な新興宗教の信者たちだけです。 時代に合わせて、少しずつ憲法を見直しする。いわばメンテナンス（maintenance = 維持、保守）をしていく。そのことを怠ったツケが、無謀な大東亜戦争だったのではないでしょうか。 参考文献 ・『明治憲法の思想』八木秀次、PHP新書 ・英文はProject Gutenbergのホームページに掲載されています。憲法前文もあり、最後に次のように記載されています。伊藤博文による英訳かもしれません。 (The above is the semi-official translation, which appeared in H. Ito, Commentaries on the Constitution of the Empire of Japan, trans. M. Ito, 1889.) ・徳永圀典さまからのご教示に感謝いたします。 |