Drafting and Promulgation of the Meiji Constitution and the First Imperial Diet (1885–1890)

1. Diet opening pledged in Imperial Rescript

   Oct 12, 1881Labels: Emperor Meiji, Imperial Rescript

   • MEXT

2. Itō begins Europe constitutional study mission

   Mar 1, 1882Labels: It Hirobumi, European mission

   • Nippon com
   • Britannica

3. Rikken Kaishintō founded as constitutional party

   Apr 16, 1882Labels: kuma Shigenobu, Rikken Kaishint

   • NDL Portraits
   • Kaishint

4. Peerage system expanded by Peerage Act

   Jul 7, 1884Labels: Kazoku peerage, Peerage Act

   • Nippon com
   • Britannica

5. Cabinet system created; Itō becomes first prime minister

   Dec 22, 1885Labels: Cabinet system, It Hirobumi

   • Kantei
   • NDL Archives
   • Britannica

6. Privy Council established to review draft constitution

   Apr 28, 1888Labels: Privy Council, It Hirobumi

   • Privy Council
   • Britannica

7. Itō resigns first premiership; Kuroda succeeds

   Apr 30, 1888Labels: It Hirobumi, Kuroda Kiyotaka

   • Kantei
   • Kantei List

8. Meiji Constitution promulgated

   Feb 11, 1889Labels: Meiji Constitution, Emperor Meiji

   • MEXT
   • Britannica
   • JURIST

9. House of Representatives election law implemented

   Jan 1, 1890Labels: Election law, House of

   • Britannica
   • 1890 Election

10. First general election for House of Representatives

    Jul 1, 1890Labels: General election, House of

    • 1890 Election
    • House Reps

11. Meiji Constitution comes into force

    Nov 29, 1890Labels: Meiji Constitution, Enforcement date

    • MEXT
    • Meiji Const

12. First Imperial Diet convenes

    Nov 29, 1890Labels: First Imperial, House of

    • MEXT
    • Meiji Const
    • House Peers