In The Giver, what are the responsibilities of the Committee of Elders?

The Committee of Elders is the governing body in the community.  They make the laws, organize the major events and ceremonies, and assign the jobs to the children who turn 12.  The running joke among the citizens is that if you ever want a rule to be changed, the Committee of Elders will not change it, but instead let the idea rot in committee.  Whenever the Elders need extra guidance, they ask the Receiver for his input on an issue.