PS Elect 4

Politics and Governance in East Asia and Arab States

Leoneill C. Vitalicio March 9, 2022
BAPoS 3A 10:30 – 12:00/MTh

SELF-ASSESSMENT No. 5

Activity # 5.1
CHAPTER TEST
(A. Multiple Choice)
Direction: Of each number to the left, place the letter of the word or group of words which best complete the
sentence.

__A___ 1. During Post-war growth and Prosperity, who served as a Prime Minister in 1946-1954 and played a
key role in guiding Japan through the occupation.
a. Shigeru Yoshida c. Emperor Hirohito
b. General Douglas MacArthur d. None of the above

___D___ 2. When US Secretary of States Dean Acheson signing the Treaty of Peace with Japan?
a. September 8, 1921 c. September 8, 1925
b. September 8, 1951 d. None of the above

___C__ 3. The San Francisco Peace Treaty of 1951 officially normalized relations between…
a. Japan and China c. Japan and United States
b. Japan and Korea d. Japan and Macau

___B__ 4. When was Japan became a member of United Nations and further cemented its international standing
in 1964, when it hosted the Olympic Games in Tokyo?
a. 1964 c. 1965
b. 1956 d. 1946

__A___ 5. When was the largest earthquakes recorded in Japan occurred in the Northeast?
a. March 11, 2011 c. March 11, 2001
b. March 20, 2011 d. March 11, 2021

__A___ 6. When was the US dropped an atomic bomb over Hiroshima, killing over 70, 000 people?
a. August 6, 1945 c. August 6, 1954
 b. August 6, 1946 d. None of the above
__B___ 7. When was the first meeting of General Douglas MacArthur and Emperor of Japan, Hirohito?
a. September 1954 c. October 1945
b. September 1945 d. October 1945

__C___ 8. Who is the executive branch on Cabinet of Japanese government?

a. Senate President c. Prime Minister
b. President d. None of the above

__B___ 9. It is the official residence of the Prime Minister.

a. Kokkai c. Sangiin
b. Kantei d. None of the above

__C___ 10. National elections in Japan are held every

a. 6 years c. 4 years
b. 3 years d. none of the above

(B. Matching Type)

Direction: On the line to the left of each number in the column of Persons/Events/ place the letter which
precedes the correct identification in the column of Identifications.

Persons/Events Identification
__D___ 11. Jomon a.) District of Kyoto
__G___ 12. Edward S. Morse b. known Jokyu-War
__C___ 13. Prince Shotoku c. Semi legendary regent and politician of Asuka period
__H___ 14. Minatomo no Yoritomo d. discovered shard pottery
__B___ 15. Emperor Go-Toba e. constitutional monarchy
__A___ 16. Muromachi f. Portuguese traders
__F___ 17. Black Ship g. cord-marked
__I___ 18. 122nd Emperor of Japan h. founder of Kamakura
__E___ 19. Government of Japan i. Emperor Meiji
__J___ 20. House of Representative j. Shugiin
Activity # 5.3
SELF-TESTING EXERCISE
Direction: Check your mastery of the chapter by answering the following.

1. What is the historical background of the politics and governance of Japan?

Japan is the only non - western country in the world that reach the status of developed nation. It
is very unique country because even if they are in industrialization and success in modernization they
preserve their culture and traditions.
It is a totalitarian government where the sovereign comes from the emperor. Although the
emperor is only the symbol of leadership, its rule is more powerful than any leader in Japan. The
constitution of Japan was purely American made because of the alliance of Japan with the Americans
during the World War. Civil rights and obligations are enshrined in the constitution.
The strongest branch of Japan is its Parliament also known as the National Diet. It comprises of
upper chamber which is the House of Counselors and lower chamber which is the House of
Representatives. Japan has a well-functioning democracy and consider as the model of the world.

2. Explain how significant events in the past shaped the contemporary politics and government
setting of Japan.

In 19th century, the government of Japan is in feudal orders. It happens when group of samurai
overthrew the military power to restore power to the emperor.
The Miji Restoration began that enhance national law of reform were different powers are spread
and well allocated to level of state. Looking for knowledge is always Japan strategy to have a well –
functioning government and achieved economic development. In 1890, constitutional monarchy has
established and the emperor is the head of state while the Prime Minister is the head of the government.
In 1947, the new constitution of Japan was adapted. It changed the view of government and
assure that the Japanese people will guarantee the protection of their rights.

3. Identify the major or issues besetting the contemporary government of Japan.

In every successful government there are always be issues and concerns. Japan is no
exception. It has faced so many issues that challenged its success as develop nation status.
Corruption also has spread in the government of Japan. Some officials have used government
funds to support their campaigns and personal interests. In 1987, Japan experience trade imbalance
with the United States. Although Japan is well – known for their high advancement in technology, failure
and mistakes is inevitable to Japan. It experiences the prolonged recessions in 1990’s also known as
the Lost Decade where poverty is on the rise due to the long serving of their Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
In 2012, Japan debt has grown to almost 997 trillion yen. That time China overtake Japan in
terms of economic development and foreign investments.
Activity # 6.4

REFLECTION
Direction: Write your insights/point of view gained from the lesson. Complete the following phrases.

1. I learned that

Japan is well – known for its technological advancement and innovation that serves as the model
of the world. Its government outlay its duties and obligations to the Japanese people which is
safeguarded by its constitution.
Japan contemporary government serves as the new standard for economic development and
proper policy – making for the benefits of its people. Its preservation of culture while ascending in terms
of economy and politics makes Japan unique from any other country.

2. I felt

As the world is changing in our naked eye, it is overwhelming to me to know that the existence of
global superpowers has help humanities and every nation to achieve its goals and to have an stable
economy with government that hear the cry of its citizen.
Japan as an example of excellence and as a model of the world, I hope someday that our
country Philippines would strive hard to level up this world power and to establish a government that is
free from corruption so that our economy will bloom again just like before.
Realizing the potential of our country to compete with this superpower, let us unite and have the
courage to fight for our own country and for the benefit of the future generation.

3. I would (action to be taken)

As a political science student, I will continue to challenged myself to become the better version of
myself that can compete to the challenge of time and what the world can give to me.
The hard work and dedication that I give to this program makes me a well – equipped person
ready to face the challenging world of course with the help of the knowledge I gain in this subject. It
helps me to gain knowledge about the world and how the significant events that happened change the
world and the country I lived in.