be newly elected, and the new House shall be convoked within five
months from the day of dissolution.

Article 46. No debate can be opened and no vote can be taken
in either House of the Imperial Diet, unless not less than
one-third of the whole number of Members thereof is present.

Article 47. Votes shall be taken in both Houses by absolute
majority. In the case of a tie vote, the President shall have the
casting vote.

Article 48. The deliberations of both Houses shall be held
in public. The deliberations may, however, upon demand of the
Government or by resolution of the House, be held in secret
sitting.

Article 49. Both Houses of the Imperial Diet may
respectively present addresses to the Emperor.

Article 50. Both Houses may receive petitions presented by
subjects.

Article 51. Both Houses may enact, besides what is provided
for in the present Constitution and in the Law of the Houses,
rules necessary for the management of their internal affairs.

Article 52. No Member of either House shall be held
responsible outside the respective Houses, for any opinion
uttered or for any vote given in the House. When, however, a
Member himself has given publicity to his opinions by public