Learn the Constitution from the Basics
Research Themes
This seminar is aimed at students who are studying the Constitution for the first time, and begins by learning what law is. Students will understand the meaning of law and its function in society, and then learn what the Constitution is within the law and what it means. After acquiring basic knowledge of law, students will then take a detailed look at the history of the Japanese Constitution, the basic structure of governance (separation of powers, rule of law, Diet, Cabinet, etc.), and the protection of fundamental human rights, as well as the interpretation of provisions and precedents (court opinions).
The Constitution may seem like a law that has little relevance to our everyday lives. However, news about the Constitution is reported every day in newspapers and on television. Our aim is to develop the ability to recognize how various matters in daily life are related to the Constitution, and to acquire the ability to debate constitutional issues.
Activities
Every year, our seminar students pass the civil service exam. We provide individual instruction to students aiming to become civil servants on how to study the exam subjects such as constitutional law and law, as well as interview practice. In addition to studying, our seminar students also actively engage in fieldwork. For example, we attend court hearings and visit the National Diet and the Constitution Memorial Hall to bring the learning in the seminar closer to home. We also organize seminar trips at the students' request. In the past, we have taken fourth-year students on graduation trips for three days and two nights to Osaka and Kyoto, as well as skiing and snowboarding trips.