The Imperial Ruling Council, also known as the Imperial Advisory Council or simply the Imperial Council, was a group of bureaucrats hand-picked by Emperor Sheev Palpatine from his most trusted advisors. This included figures such as Grand Vizier Mas Amedda, Sate Pestage, Janus Greejatus, Ars Dangor, Kren Blista-Vanee, and Verge, alongside other high-ranking members of the Imperial Court. This collective oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Galactic Empire and possessed significant authority.
Located on Coruscant, the Empire's capital planet, was where the council held its meetings. The Ruling Council's members were known for their brightly colored, loose robes and extravagant hats.
The Imperial Ruling Council stood as the highest administrative body within the Galactic Empire. The Grand Vizier of the Galactic Empire headed it, and it was composed of both advisors to the Galactic Emperor and leaders from the Imperial Military. Its power extended beyond the local, sector, and oversector governors, who reported directly to its members. Furthermore, the Ruling Council managed the various ministries and bureaus that formed the expansive Imperial bureaucracy, carefully filtering issues to ensure only the most urgent matters reached the Emperor.
Mas Amedda was among the initial individuals to become a member of the Ruling Council. By 14 BBY, the Council's ranks had grown to include advisors Ars Dangor, Janus Greejatus, Kren Blista-Vanee, and Sate Pestage, as well as Administrator Sly Moore. Other figures during the early years of the Empire included Prelate Verge, Imperial Agriculture Ministry official Sim Aloo, and another unidentified individual.
In 0 BBY, Conan Antonio Motti, the Chief of the Imperial Navy, filed a report criticizing the acting Commander-in-Chief, Darth Vader, soon after the Dark Lord used the Force-choke on the admiral for his disrespect.
During the Galactic Civil War, Governor Everi Chalis acted as an emissary to the Imperial Ruling Council. She was later demoted to a position on Haidoral Prime and eventually joined the Rebellion.
In 4 ABY, six members of the Imperial Ruling Council, including advisors Sim Aloo and Janus Greejatus, accompanied Emperor Palpatine to the second Death Star. There, they were greeted by Lord Vader, Imperial officers, and troops. However, all six perished when the Rebel Alliance destroyed the station during the Battle of Endor.
Following the Battle of Endor, ambitious members of the Imperial Council tried to seize territories from the Empire. Due to their failure to effectively govern after the deaths of Emperor Palpatine and Lord Vader, Fleet Admiral Gallius Rax suggested a more secretive and militaristic group called the "Shadow Council" take their place. This new council would consist of advisors and admirals, with Grand Admiral Rae Sloane as its leader. Consequently, Grand Vizier Mas Amedda was relegated to a symbolic role, manipulated by Counselor Rax to deliver propaganda.
The Shadow Council replaced the unsuccessful Imperial Ruling Council as the covert power structure.
During the New Republic Era, the council members controlled their own sectors and pretended to be disorganized remnant warlords to hide their strength while awaiting the return of Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Some considered the councilors to be mere "yes men" to the Emperor. However, the Imperial Ruling Council actually managed the Empire's day-to-day affairs, and its members held significant authority. They had direct access to the Emperor and acted as his representatives, with all Moffs, [generals](/article/general], admirals, and other high-ranking officials reporting to them. Some cabinet members oversaw military matters, informing the Emperor of developments within the Imperial Military. Despite their power, the councilors were not always aware of the information held by Imperial Intelligence, as it was closely guarded on Coruscant.