The Handicapper General and the Council of Elders in The Giver are two distinct yet related organizations. The Handicapper General is the government official responsible for ensuring that individuals meet their predetermined quotas and abide by the laws of conformity. The Council of Elders is a group of twelve men who, along with the Receiver, are responsible for the running of the community. The Council of Elders makes most of the decisions for the community, while the Handicapper General is charged with ensuring that the decisions of the Council are carried out. Additionally, while the Council of Elders is focused on serving the community, the Handicapper General is focused on punishing those who do not comply with the laws.