Although no specification existed legislatively, they were appointed by an Imperial order or an Imperial rescript, and were involved in making the highest-level decisions in the nation, responding to inquiries from the emperor, including the recommendation of a new prime minister when a cabinet was reshuffled.
法制上にその定めはなかったが、勅命または勅語によって任命され、天皇の諮問に答えて内閣更迭の際の後継内閣総理大臣の奏薦をはじめとする国家の最高意思決定に参与した。