Elder Council

The Elder Council is the central governing body of the Empire of Tamriel. The Tamrielic government is unicameral and unelected body. The nature of its composition is unclear.

It is however specified that the body can legislate. The process of legislation within the Council is whether unclear, though the Emperors have possessed the power of veto since Uriel Septim VI's reign in early fourth century of Third Era.

The leader at the end of Third Era, during the Oblivion Crisis, was High Chancellor Ocato, an Altmer said to have led the Empire for about 15 years after the Oblivion Crisis ended. He was one of the few that recognized the threat of the Thalmor and was assassinated. His death caused the Stormcrown Interregnum which fractured the Council.

Duties
The Elder Council's primary task is to keep the Empire running. It mostly consists of day-to-day management of it, such as advising the Emperor and the creation of laws (over which the Emperor still holds veto). The Council's importance becomes clear when the Empire is in struggle, like during an interregnum.

During the absence of the Emperor or between the death of an Emperor and crowning of a new one, the Council is supposed to rule the Empire under the leadership of High Chancellor. The Elder Council may elect the Emperor/Empress Regent should the incumbent Emperor be incompetent.

They are also responsible for crowing a new Emperor/Empress after the previous Emperor/Empress' death. However, on many occasions, the members recognized someone who isn't a direct descendant of previous ruler.

In unique occasions, the Elder Council may take the leadership of the Empire for a longer period of time and thus, have the full control of the Empire's military force, when the oldest heir to the throne is still too young to take the crown for example. In this occasion, High Chancellor becomes a Potentate.