The system based on the Constitution of 1868 was undermined and moreover in 1871 centralization was established by Haihan-chiken (abolition of feudal domains and establishment of prefectures) and the importance of Charter Oath began to fade.
その後、政体書体制がなし崩しになり、さらには明治4年（1871年）の廃藩置県により中央集権が確立するに至り、御誓文の存在意義が薄れかけた。