Under this constitution, the Emperor had the right of absolute sovereignty, and it was stated that "the respective State Ministers shall advise the Emperor, and shall be held responsible for the outcome of their advice" (first paragraph of Article no. 55).
この憲法では、天皇が統治権を総攬するものとし、「国務各大臣ハ天皇ヲ輔弼シ其ノ責ニ任ス」（55条1項）と定められた。