Question

in what way did the new japanese constitution change the role of the emperor?
he gained the power to choose the prime minister.
he was forced to declare he did not have divine power.
he was no longer the ceremonial head of state.
he became a permanent member of the diet.

Explanation:

• Analyze Option A: The emperor in post - WWII Japan does not have the power to choose the prime minister. The prime minister is elected through a process involving the Diet, so this option is incorrect.
• Analyze Option B: After World War II, under the new Japanese constitution, Emperor Hirohito was forced to renounce his divine status. This was a significant change in the role of the emperor as before, the emperor was considered divine.
• Analyze Option C: The emperor remained the ceremonial head of state under the new constitution, so this option is incorrect.
• Analyze Option D: The emperor is not a member of the Diet, so this option is incorrect.

Answer:

B. He was forced to declare he did not have divine power.