The governor's council
Official text rightpowerlimitif conditionlegal term
There shall be a council for advising the governor in the executive part of government, to consist of [nine] persons besides the lieutenant governor, whom the governor, for the time being, shall have full power and authority, from time to time, at his discretion, to assemble and call together. And the governor, with the said councillors, or five of them at least, shall and may, from time to time, hold and keep a council, for the ordering and directing the affairs of the commonwealth, according to the laws of the land.
Note (Massachusetts Legislature): [See Amendments, Art. XVI.]
Simplified explanation
There shall be a council to advise the governor in the executive part of government, which the governor may assemble at his discretion. The governor, with at least five councillors, may hold a council to order and direct the commonwealth's affairs according to law. The bracketed number "nine" is printed as superseded.