the highest deliberative body of the Joseon dynasty although it faded in importance after first centuries of rule. It was composed of twelve officials. The Chief State Councillor (Yeonguijeong, 영의정, 領議政), Left State Councillor (Jwauijeong, 좌의정), and Right State Councillor (Uuijeong, 우의정) were the highest-ranking officials in the government (senior first rank). They were assisted by Left Minister (Jwachanseong, 좌찬성) and Right Minister (Uichangseong, 우찬성), both of junior first rank, and seven lower ranking officials. The power of State Council was inversely proportional to the king's power. Sometimes it directly controlled Six Ministries, the chief executive body of Joseon government, but primarily served in advisory role under stronger kings. State councillors served in several other positions including a tutor to the crown prince. Six Ministries The Six Ministries (Yukjo, Hangul: 육조, Hanja: 六曹) were the chief executive body of Joseon. Each Minister (Panseo, 판서) was of senior second rank (2a, third highest rank) and was assisted by a Deputy-Minister (Champan, 참판) of junior second rank (2b, fourth highest rank) and a Secretary (Chamui, 참의) of rank 3a. Apart from these three Dangsanggwan (당상관, 堂上官) officials, each Ministry was headed by three Jeongrang (정랑, rank 5a) and three Jwarang (좌랑, rank 6a), adding to nine officials ranked 6a or above. Ministry of Personnel (Ijo, 이조, 吏曹) – was primarily concerned with appointment of officials Ministry of Taxation (Hojo, 호조, 戶曹) – taxation, finances, census, agriculture, and land policies Ministry of Rites (Yejo, 예조, 禮曹) – rituals, culture, diplomacy, gwageo Ministry of defence (Byeongjo, 병조, 兵曹) – military affairs Ministry of Justice (Hyeongjo, 형조, 刑曹) – administration of law, slavery, punishments Ministry of Works (Gongjo, 공조, 工曹) – industry, public works, manufacturing, mining Three Offices Three Offices (Samsa, Hangul: 삼사, Hanja: 三司) is a collective name for three offices that provided checks and balance on the king and the officials. The officials who served in these offices tended to be younger and of lower rank compared to other offices but enjoyed special privileges and prestige. They went through more thorough review of moral character and family background. Office of the Inspector-General (Saheonbu, 사헌부, 司憲府) - It monitored government administration and officials in both central and local governments for corruption or incompetence. It was run by 30 officials including Inspector General (Daesaheon, 대사헌), a position of junior second rank. Office of Censors (Saganwon, 사간원, 司諫院) - Its chief function was to remonstrate with