Question

Which of the following best demonstrates the influence of Germany's nation building of the nineteenth century on Japan? The implementation of Realpolitik, or power-politics, in everyday politics. Unifying many smaller nation-states to create one formidable Empire. A constitution that allowed for the Emperor to control the majority of the power. Consolidating power under the Prime minister and his cabinet in order to implement Western ideas of modernization.

Answer 1

Answer is D. Consolidating power under the Prime Minister and his cabinet in order to implement Western ideas of modernization.

After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Japanese leaders wanted to create a constitution that would set Japan as a competent and modern nation, worthy of Western respect without losing their own power. Thus, the Meiji Constitution was created; it established an elected parliament. Japan now consisted of an extremely centralized and bureucratic government, in which the emperor was given complete control of the army and navy, but a Prime Minister and his cabinet advised him and excercised actual power.