of the functions and powers of the president on his or her behalf. Article 83 The president and the vice president of the People's Republic of China shall exercise their functions and powers until the president and the vice president elected by the next National People's Congress assume office. Article 84 In the event that the office of president of the People's Republic of China becomes vacant the vice president shall succeed to the office of president. In the event that the office of vice president of the People's Republic of China becomes vacant the National People's Congress shall elect a new vice president to fill the vacancy. In the event that the offices of both president and vice president of the People's Republic of China become vacant the National People's Congress shall elect a new president and a new vice president; prior to their election, the chairperson of the National People's Congress Standing Committee shall temporarily act as the president. Section 3 The State Council Article 85 The State Council of the People's Republic of China, namely, the Central People's Government, is the executive organ of the highest state organ of power; it is the highest state administrative organ. Article 86 The State Council is composed of the following personnel: a premier, vice premiers, state councilors, ministers of ministries, ministers of commissions, an auditor general, and a secretary general. The State Council shall practice a premier responsibility system. The ministries and commissions shall each practice a minister responsibility system. The organization of the State Council shall be prescribed by law. Article 87 The State Council shall have the same term of office as that of the National People's Congress. The premier, vice premiers and state councilors shall serve no more than two consecutive terms. Article 88 The premier shall direct the work of the State Council. The vice premiers and state councilors shall assist the premier in his or her work. The premier, vice premiers, state councilors and the secretary general shall attend State Council executive meetings. The premier shall convene and preside over State Council executive meetings and State Council plenary meetings. Article 89 The State Council shall exercise the following functions and powers: (1) stipulating administrative measures, formulating administrative regulations and issuing decisions and orders in accordance with the Constitution and the law; (2) submitting proposals to the National People's Congress or the National People's Congress Standing Committee; (3) stipulating the missions and responsibilities of the ministries and commissions, exercising unified leadership over their work, and directing national administrative work that does not fall within the responsibilities of the ministries and commissions; (4) exercising unified leadership over the work of local state administrative organs at all levels nationwide 15