The Government of Japan Early in Japan's history, society was controlled by a ruling elite of powerful clans. The most powerful emerged as a kingly line and later as the imperial family in Yamato in the third century A.D., claiming descent from the gods who created Japan. An imperial court and government, shaped by Chinese political and social institutions, was established. Often, powerful court families effected a hereditary regency, having established control over the …showed first 75 words of 2232 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2232 total…the nation it is today, one with an efficient government and powerful economy. Sources Japanese Political History Since the Meiji Renovation 1868-2000 Sims, Richard; St. Martin's Press, 2001 ISBN: 0312239157 Internet; 10-17-01 http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2136.htm http://www.shugiin.go.jp/itdb_main.nsf/html/index_e.htm http://www.ndl.go.jp/e/index.html http://www.sangiin.go.jp/eng/index.htm The Japanese Economy; Flath, David; Oxford University Press, 2000; ISBN: 0198775032