Analysis of the Constitution
Constitution is a set of rules that govern a country. Modern country where the citizens understand and practice democracy, a constitution is very important. It can be a written or unwritten constitution. Written constitution is contained in documents while unwritten constitution is generally contained in the ‘hearts’ of the citizens. Initially when the Western powers were still ruling most of the countries, it was unnecessary to have a constitution for a country. This was because the western powers were using their own rules to govern their colonies. It was a common belief that most of the countries colonized had no ability to govern themselves.
It was necessary to analyze the change the constitution of the countries to embrace change. The kingdom of Choson was willing to abandon its traditional rule to embrace new changes in the constitution. He aimed at creating a brighter future for his Kingdom and his people. Korea, China and Japan were some of the states that tried to use the laws of their land but the pressure to change was too much and soon they accepted some changes in their constitution. Some of them thought of going back to their own law, the Confucian principles. They wanted to reject Westernization and use their own law. The influence Western civilization was met with resistance as these countries believed that Eastern way and Western machine would not much. However, it was finally agreed that they adopt the Eastern way and the Western machines in order to defend the Confucian Way. By the end of
1860s, Japan had decided to adopt the Meiji Restoration.
The areas on concern in the constitution touched on education reforms, international relations, social reforms and political reforms. The reforms were put after long and critical discussions. It was deliberated upon by a deliberative council. They were as follows:
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS.
They changed their relationship with Japanese military became sour. However they remained grateful to the Japanese Imperial Army. The Kabo also terminated their relationship with Chinese government. Korea believed that their relationship with China had to be a source of Korean tradition. They strengthened their tie with the Western countries. The country engaged itself with close relationship with the USA. This was aimed at maintaining their sovereignty. They decided to renegotiate all the treaties that they considered oppressive. The treaties were made with the Western nation with the belief that Choson was not a modern nation. They embrace foreign technology to try to protect them. This is because they had been admiring the Western technology for a long time and it was only fair that they adopt it.
Economic Reforms
The Kabo Deliberative Council declared in their reforms to implement new farming methods. This was aimed improving productivity to boost the national food security. They also resolved that manuals for education for farmers be published in Korean vernacular. The farm inputs like fertilizer were considered in Korea (Choson Kingdom) foreign companies which agreed with their new laws would be compensated for their losses. The Choson Kingdom established a mint and a banking system to promote and develop their economy and control their financial transactions. They monopolized their industries with the aim of developing the native industries. The national currency was introduced and counterfeiting declared illegal in Choson.
In fact, the economic reforms were many and mostly the reforms aimed at easing life for Koreans. Such reforms were like the lowering of tax to land owners, raising tariffs on imports to encourage the consumption of local goods. The movement of foreign traders was restricted such that travelling beyond Choson, they had to obtain license.
Political Reforms
After the reforms, the Kabo Deliberative Council established a constitutional monarchy. However this never reduced the power of the King but rather allowed for more efficient governance. The judiciary and the legislature were also introduced after the reforms. The office of the overseer under the king was also introduced. The legislature would oversee the education, commercial, defense and other departments of the government. According to the reform, the power to appoint new members of the Council of Privy was vested on the hands of the King. The king would also appoint the prime minister of the Cabinet.
Education Reforms
A new education system that would accommodate both male and female students was established. There would be three rank systems. The first rank would be the primary Academy for students between 5-12 years, and then the students joined the secondary academy and finally the education academy. The education system combined both Confucian and Western teachings. The Western teaching was composed of subjects like mathematics, foreign language and sciences. The language to be used in schools would be Hangul or Korean. The council made primary academy compulsory for all children. The schools would be for both girls and boys. The government also allowed the establishment of private schools to supplement the public schools available.
Social Reforms
The Council created a fair society for equality. The slaves were converted into paid servants with their rights fully respected. This was aimed at creating a just society where every citizen enjoyed equal rights.
References
Jung, J. (2013). 1894 Kabo Reforms
Duncan J.B. JungHKim, J. (2011). Korea. At the Crossroads of Civilizations: Confucianism, Westernization, and the 1894 Kabo Reforms. Korea.
