Article IV.—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.
Article V.—The Emperor exercises the legislative power with the consent of the
Imperial Diet.
Article VI.—The Emperor gives sanction to laws, and orders them to be promulgated and executed.
Article VII.—The Emperor convokes the Imperial Diet, opens, closes, and prorogues it, and dissolves the House of Representatives.
Article VIII.—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.
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.
Article IX.—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.
Article X.—The Emperor determines the organization of the different branches of the
administration, and the 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).
Article XI.—The Emperor has the supreme command of the Army and Navy.
Article XII.—The Emperor determines the organization and peace standing of the Army and Navy.
Article XIII.—The Emperor declares war, makes peace, and concludes treaties.
Article XIV.—The Emperor proclaims the law of siege.
The conditions and effects of the law of siege shall be determined by law.
Article XV.—The Emperor confers titles of nobility, rank, orders and other marks of
honour.
Article XVI.—The Emperor orders amnesty, pardon, commutation of punishments,
and rehabilitation.
Article XVII.—A Regency skill be instituted in conformity with the provisions of the
Imperial House Law.
The Regent shall exercise the powers appertaining to the Emperor in His name.
CHAPTER II.—RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF SUBJECTS.
Article XVIII.—The conditions necessary for being a Japanese subject shall be
determined by law.
Article XIX.—Japanese subjects may, according to qualifications determined in laws or
ordinances, be appointed to civil or military offices equally, and may fill any other public offices.
Article XX.—Japanese subjects are amenable to service in the Army or Navy, according to the provisions of law.
