The Meiji Constitution created a two-house parliament with members elected by voters. This parliament was known as the Imperial Diet and consisted of the House of Peers (an upper house) and the House of Representatives (a lower house). The Meiji Constitution was introduced in Japan in 1889 during the Meiji period and was a significant step towards modernization and westernization of Japan's political system. Although the constitution provided for an elected parliament, the Emperor still held significant power and influence over the government.