Article 55. The respective Ministers of State shall give
their advice to the Emperor, and be responsible for it.
(2) All Laws, Imperial Ordinances, and Imperial Rescripts of
whatever kind, that relate to the affairs of the state, require
the countersignature of a Minister of State.
Article 56. The Privy Councillors shall, in accordance with
the provisions for the organization of the Privy Council,
deliberate upon important matters of State when they have been
consulted by the Emperor.