When the current constitution was adopted in 1982, the presidency was designed as a largely ceremonial office, with actual power concentrated on the Paramount leader, who controlled the Party and the military. However, Presidents Li Xiannian (1983–1988) and Yang Shangkun (1988–1993) were not simple figureheads, but actually significant players in the highest leadership, with their powers of Eight Elders, but not the presidencies.[3]