Translation guide
A system of government based on a constitution that limits powers and protects rights. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific political terms, often using 立憲 (rikken, 'constitutional') or 憲政 (kensei, 'constitutional government').
The broad concept of a government operating under a constitution.
The most common and general term for constitutional government or constitutional politics. Used in academic and formal contexts.
Constitutional government is the foundation of democracy.
Refers specifically to constitutional government or constitutional politics. Often used in historical or formal contexts, such as 憲政の常道 (the normal course of constitutional government).
A crisis of constitutional government is being proclaimed.
Emphasizes the constitutional system or regime. Suitable when discussing the structure or framework.
This country has adopted a constitutional system.
A form of constitutional government where a monarch acts as head of state within constitutional limits.
The standard term for constitutional monarchy. Widely understood and used in political science.
The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy.
A democratic system governed by a constitution.
Combines constitutionalism and democracy. Used in political discourse.
We should uphold the principles of constitutional democracy.
The historical or political movement to establish constitutional government.
Refers to the movement for constitutional government, especially in historical contexts like the Meiji era.
The movement for constitutional government became active in the Meiji period.
Both mean constitutional government, but 立憲政治 is more common in modern academic writing, while 憲政 often appears in historical or idiomatic expressions like 憲政の常道 (the normal course of constitutional government).
When discussing a country's political system, 立憲政治 is a safe, general choice. For specific types like constitutional monarchy, use 立憲君主制.