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.
立憲政治は民主主義の基盤です。
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).
憲政の危機が叫ばれている。
A crisis of constitutional government is being proclaimed.
Emphasizes the constitutional system or regime. Suitable when discussing the structure or framework.
この国は立憲体制を採用している。
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.
イギリスは立憲君主制の国です。
The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy.
A democratic system governed by a constitution.
Combines constitutionalism and democracy. Used in political discourse.
立憲民主主義の原則を守るべきだ。
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.
明治時代に立憲運動が活発になった。
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.