It is the union's governing body between conventions.
This was the body that conducted business at each national convention, and it could also conduct business by mail ballot between conventions if necessary.
The three officers and the vice presidents form the executive council, which is the federation's governing body between quadrennial conventions.
The Provincial Council is the next highest decision making level and meets between conventions, usually three or four times a year.
There is also an off year conference between conventions.
Between conventions, the Alliance is governed by a national executive board.
The Brock plan would ask the convention to allow the national committee to change the rules between conventions.
Then a deal could be struck with the Democrats, who can change their rules between conventions.
Between conventions, the church is governed by the executive council.
Although wide variations exist between different conventions, there is a general pattern to which most adhere.