The DPJ Government and Party Organization
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science:Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research
Date (from‐to) : 2011/04 -2014/03
Author : MAEDA YUKIO; TSUTSUMI Hidenori; MORI Tadashi; UEKAMI Takayoshi; MORI Michiya; HAMAMOTO Shinsuke; IIO Jun
This research project examined the coalition government led by the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). Special attention is paid to the organizational structure of the DPJ, which has been largely neglected by the existing studies. During its development as opposition party, the DPJ allowed its leaders to make large policy changes without consulting rank-and-file members who have been known for heterogeneity of policy preferences. Consequently, it is very costly for the DPJ to exercise discipline to keep party lines in the Diet. This organizational characteristics contributed to the confusion and struggles within the DPJ in power. After theoretical discussions, the following topics are analyzed: party chairman elections, cabinet portfolio, policy research council, local organizations, party split in 2012, and public opinion during the DPJ government.