What was the Constitution of Seventeen Articles
An agreement with China
A set of guiding principles
A new law code
An agreement unifying the clans of Japan
The Constitution of Seventeen Articles, also known as the Seventeen-Article Constitution, was a document that contained a set of guiding principles for the ruling class of Japan during the Asuka period (538-710). It was written by Prince Shōtoku, a regent and political figure of the time.
The Constitution of Seventeen Articles was not a formal written constitution as we understand it today; instead, it outlined moral and ethical principles for government officials and society as a whole. These principles were intended to promote good governance and social harmony. The document emphasized virtues such as filial piety, benevolence, and respect, and also advised against personal gain, corruption, and division.
While the Constitution did not have the legal force of a new law code, it did serve as a guiding set of principles for the ruling class and became a significant influence on subsequent Japanese legal and political thought. It contributed to the development of a centralized government and the consolidation of power in the imperial court.