The articles define the corporation's structure and characteristics. It includes provisions relating to the length of the corporation and what kind of stock the corporation gives out, among other things. Another method of maintaining control in a corporation is a shareholders' agreement. This agreement can prevent or require that the shareholders do certain things, such as not sell stock or elect certain members to the board. Once a corporation is formed, there are many things that need to be done to make sure the corporation stays in existence.
Corporate bylaws are necessary to govern the corporation's internal affairs.
You also need to hold annual shareholders' and board of directors' meetings. You must also file the right income tax forms. A final consideration is whether you want to issue Section 1244 stock. This stock has tax advantages for small businesses that go out of business. The control of a corporation is basically three tiered, with the stockholders or members making up the largest group in the corporate hierarchy.