ABSTRACT
The post-war Constitution provides that while the cabinet shall "manage foreign affairs" and "conclude treaties," for treaties it shall also "obtain prior or, depending on the circumstances, subsequent approval of the Diet". This chapter discusses treaty approval as one aspect of the Diet's formal participation in foreign affairs. It examines the Diet's part in shaping foreign and defense policy in a general sense. Since the implementation of major foreign policy and defense measures often requires financial support, it is possible for the Diet to play a substantial role in shaping policies by exercising its constitutional power to administer the nation's finances. The adoption of resolutions is another means by which the Diet can give expression to its views on foreign policy and defense matters. Resolutions formally expressing Diet views are binding on the government. The Diet, like the Congress, entrusts its investigative functions to both standing and special committees.
