From c010bd157e11009e3ec7dc062e9ac8b66a877db0 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Nicolas Date: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 15:23:42 +0200 Subject: [PATCH 01/10] Add content to page explaining the future governance model of cardano --- .../governance/cardano-governance/overview.md | 64 +++++++++++++++++-- 1 file changed, 60 insertions(+), 4 deletions(-) diff --git a/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md b/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md index e682d60ce7..9044fac5ed 100644 --- a/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md +++ b/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md @@ -1,12 +1,68 @@ --- id: overview slug: /governance/cardano-governance/governance-model -title: Introduction to Cardano Governance +title: Introduction to Cardano Protocol Governance sidebar_label: Overview sidebar_position: 1 -description: Change me +description: Cardano is implementing a decentralized governance model that empowers ada holders, introduces Delegated Representatives (DReps), leverages Stake Pool Operators (SPOs), and establishes a Constitutional Committee to ensure a democratic decision-making process. --- -## Cardano's Governance Model +## Cardano's Future Governance Model and Roles +Cardano is advancing towards a decentralized governance model designed to empower community participation and ensure robust decision-making processes. This model is detailed in [CIP-1694](https://github.com/cardano-foundation/CIPs/blob/master/CIP-1694/README.md), which outlines a framework for governance through a tricameral model and a structured decision-making process via seven different types of [governance actions](governance-actions.md). A governance action is a transaction-triggered on-chain event with a time-limited window for execution. -> Details on what content this site should contain can be found here: https://github.com/cardano-foundation/developer-portal/issues/1223#issue-2174065454 \ No newline at end of file +### Ada Holders + +Ada holders are at the core of Cardano’s governance, wielding critical voting power and the ability to shape the blockchain's future: + +- **Delegation of Voting Power**: Ada holders can delegate their voting rights to DReps to amplify their influence. This delegation process involves creating and issuing a delegation certificate from the ADA holders stake key to the chosen DRep. +- **Participation as DReps**: Ada holders can register as DReps, allowing them to directly partake in the governance process, propose changes, and represent community interests. +- **Submitting Governance Actions**: Any ada holder can propose governance actions on the blockchain network. To initiate such an action, a deposit of `govActionDeposit` Lovelace must be provided. This deposit will be returned once the action reaches its conclusion, either through enactment or expiration. +- **Influence on Network Operations**: By delegating to specific SPOs, ada holders indirectly influence the operational stability and security of the network and delegate their voting power for SPOs. + +Their active involvement ensures that governance remains decentralized and aligned with the interests of the broader community. Each associated stake key can issue two types of delegation certificates, one for a delegation to a stake pool and the other for a delegation to a DRep. + +### Delegated Representatives (DReps) + +DReps will serve as officials representing ada holders in the governance system. Every ada holder has the choice to either register themselves as a DRep to represent themselves or others or delegate their voting power to a DRep of their choice. Their primary roles include: + +- **Proposing and debating changes to the Cardano protocol**: DReps propose and debate changes to the Cardano protocol, but they also play a crucial communication role. They gather feedback from the community and represent constituent interests during governance discussions. +- **Voting on proposals**: DReps vote on proposals based on the priorities and interests of the ada holders they represent. +- **Voting power**: DReps voting power is proportional to the stake delegated to them. + +### Stake Pool Operators (SPOs) + +SPOs are fundamental to the network's operational integrity and will also play a crucial role in governance by: + +- **Maintaining network infrastructure**: SPOs ensure the continuous, stable operation of the Cardano network. +- **Participating in governance discussions**: SPOs contribute to governance discussions, particularly on technical aspects and implementation of protocol changes. +- **Voting on governance actions** +- **Implementing approved changes**: SPOs are responsible for upgrading their infrastructure to comply with changes approved through the governance process. +- **Voting power**: SPOs voting power is based on their active stake. + +### Constitutional Committee (CC) + +The Constitutional Committee will oversee and guide the governance process to adhere to Cardano’s foundational governance principles as defined in the Cardano Constitution. It will: + +- **Interpret the Cardano Constitution**: The CC ensures that governance actions align with the constitution. +- **Provide checks and balances**: The CC offers a system of checks and balances by reviewing the constitutionality of governance actions. +- **Ensure transparency and fairness**: The CC works to maintain a governance process that is transparent, fair, and in line with the overall objectives of the Cardano ecosystem. +- **Voting power**: Each CC member has one vote. + +#### Interim Constitutional Committee + +During the [bootstrapping phase](https://github.com/cardano-foundation/CIPs/tree/master/CIP-1694#bootstrapping-phase), which we will enter right after the Chang hard fork, an Interim Constitutional Committee will be established to: + +- **Support initial governance structures**: Ensure the smooth functioning of governance systems post the bootstrap phase. +- **Transition to a fully established CC**: Provide guidelines and frameworks for a fully-fledged Constitutional Committee. +- **Voting power**: Each member has one vote. + +The interim constitutional committee will have the power to change protocol parameters and, together with SPOs initiate hard forks. + + ## Decision Making Process + +The governance process will involve: + +1. **Off-Chain Discussion**: The majority of discussions and consensus-building about specific governance issues will happen off-chain before any governance action has been submitted to the blockchain. Gathering support for changes will be among the most difficult tasks of proposers. Proposals will undergo thorough discussion in various forums, allowing community members and stakeholders to provide feedback and suggest refinements. +2. **Governance Action Submission**: Any ada holder can submit a governance action as long as a sufficient ada deposit is provided. +3. **Voting**: Decisions on governance actions will be made through a democratic voting process involving DReps, SPOs, and the CC. The required threshold that have to be met to ratify a governance action are specified in the governance protocol parameters. A detailed overview of the governance parameters can be found [here](https://github.com/thenic95/cardano-governance/blob/main/Reports/Cardano%20Governance%20Parameter/cardano-governance-parameter-overview.md). +4. **Enactment**: Governance actions are checked for ratification only at the epoch boundary. Once ratified, actions will be enacted at the next epoch boundary. The governance action deposit will be returned once a governance action has been enacted or expired. \ No newline at end of file From 3dc944e6dc57297545df1c5790e762f45d990077 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Nicolas Cerny <61423239+thenic95@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2024 09:55:26 +0200 Subject: [PATCH 02/10] Update docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md Co-authored-by: Robert Phair --- docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md b/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md index 9044fac5ed..9c37af1eba 100644 --- a/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md +++ b/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md @@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ Cardano is advancing towards a decentralized governance model designed to empowe Ada holders are at the core of Cardano’s governance, wielding critical voting power and the ability to shape the blockchain's future: -- **Delegation of Voting Power**: Ada holders can delegate their voting rights to DReps to amplify their influence. This delegation process involves creating and issuing a delegation certificate from the ADA holders stake key to the chosen DRep. +- **Delegation of Voting Power**: Ada holders can delegate their voting rights to DReps to aggregate their influence. This delegation process involves creating and issuing a delegation certificate from the Ada holder's stake key to the chosen DRep. - **Participation as DReps**: Ada holders can register as DReps, allowing them to directly partake in the governance process, propose changes, and represent community interests. - **Submitting Governance Actions**: Any ada holder can propose governance actions on the blockchain network. To initiate such an action, a deposit of `govActionDeposit` Lovelace must be provided. This deposit will be returned once the action reaches its conclusion, either through enactment or expiration. - **Influence on Network Operations**: By delegating to specific SPOs, ada holders indirectly influence the operational stability and security of the network and delegate their voting power for SPOs. From de8ef9e7fe84b84820a7c2478de1b6feb7109428 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Nicolas Cerny <61423239+thenic95@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2024 09:55:39 +0200 Subject: [PATCH 03/10] Update docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md Co-authored-by: Robert Phair --- docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md b/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md index 9c37af1eba..46261fcae2 100644 --- a/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md +++ b/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md @@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ Ada holders are at the core of Cardano’s governance, wielding critical voting - **Delegation of Voting Power**: Ada holders can delegate their voting rights to DReps to aggregate their influence. This delegation process involves creating and issuing a delegation certificate from the Ada holder's stake key to the chosen DRep. - **Participation as DReps**: Ada holders can register as DReps, allowing them to directly partake in the governance process, propose changes, and represent community interests. -- **Submitting Governance Actions**: Any ada holder can propose governance actions on the blockchain network. To initiate such an action, a deposit of `govActionDeposit` Lovelace must be provided. This deposit will be returned once the action reaches its conclusion, either through enactment or expiration. +- **Submitting Governance Actions**: Any Ada holder can propose governance actions on the blockchain network. To initiate such an action, a deposit of `govActionDeposit` lovelace must be provided. This deposit will be returned once the action reaches its conclusion, either through enactment or expiration. - **Influence on Network Operations**: By delegating to specific SPOs, ada holders indirectly influence the operational stability and security of the network and delegate their voting power for SPOs. Their active involvement ensures that governance remains decentralized and aligned with the interests of the broader community. Each associated stake key can issue two types of delegation certificates, one for a delegation to a stake pool and the other for a delegation to a DRep. From 7842b855c30c5055bba116e125f74a6a3e5bc0a1 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Nicolas Cerny <61423239+thenic95@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2024 09:55:50 +0200 Subject: [PATCH 04/10] Update docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md Co-authored-by: Robert Phair --- docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md b/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md index 46261fcae2..9643007ffa 100644 --- a/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md +++ b/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md @@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ Ada holders are at the core of Cardano’s governance, wielding critical voting - **Delegation of Voting Power**: Ada holders can delegate their voting rights to DReps to aggregate their influence. This delegation process involves creating and issuing a delegation certificate from the Ada holder's stake key to the chosen DRep. - **Participation as DReps**: Ada holders can register as DReps, allowing them to directly partake in the governance process, propose changes, and represent community interests. - **Submitting Governance Actions**: Any Ada holder can propose governance actions on the blockchain network. To initiate such an action, a deposit of `govActionDeposit` lovelace must be provided. This deposit will be returned once the action reaches its conclusion, either through enactment or expiration. -- **Influence on Network Operations**: By delegating to specific SPOs, ada holders indirectly influence the operational stability and security of the network and delegate their voting power for SPOs. +- **Influence on Network Operations**: By delegating to specific SPOs, Ada holders indirectly influence the operational stability and security of the network and delegate their voting power for SPOs. Their active involvement ensures that governance remains decentralized and aligned with the interests of the broader community. Each associated stake key can issue two types of delegation certificates, one for a delegation to a stake pool and the other for a delegation to a DRep. From 8f1754c3c5dd44ebbee672440441119689349afc Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Nicolas Cerny <61423239+thenic95@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2024 09:56:00 +0200 Subject: [PATCH 05/10] Update docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md Co-authored-by: Robert Phair --- docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md b/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md index 9643007ffa..efbf6b0970 100644 --- a/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md +++ b/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md @@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ Their active involvement ensures that governance remains decentralized and align ### Delegated Representatives (DReps) -DReps will serve as officials representing ada holders in the governance system. Every ada holder has the choice to either register themselves as a DRep to represent themselves or others or delegate their voting power to a DRep of their choice. Their primary roles include: +DReps will serve as officials representing Ada holders in the governance system. Every ada holder has the choice to either register themselves as a DRep to represent themselves or others or delegate their voting power to a DRep of their choice. Their primary roles include: - **Proposing and debating changes to the Cardano protocol**: DReps propose and debate changes to the Cardano protocol, but they also play a crucial communication role. They gather feedback from the community and represent constituent interests during governance discussions. - **Voting on proposals**: DReps vote on proposals based on the priorities and interests of the ada holders they represent. From 17579593446b7bed44f89abee26bb4ec58d0f23b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Nicolas Cerny <61423239+thenic95@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2024 09:56:09 +0200 Subject: [PATCH 06/10] Update docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md Co-authored-by: Robert Phair --- docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md b/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md index efbf6b0970..d46d57bd94 100644 --- a/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md +++ b/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md @@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ Their active involvement ensures that governance remains decentralized and align DReps will serve as officials representing Ada holders in the governance system. Every ada holder has the choice to either register themselves as a DRep to represent themselves or others or delegate their voting power to a DRep of their choice. Their primary roles include: - **Proposing and debating changes to the Cardano protocol**: DReps propose and debate changes to the Cardano protocol, but they also play a crucial communication role. They gather feedback from the community and represent constituent interests during governance discussions. -- **Voting on proposals**: DReps vote on proposals based on the priorities and interests of the ada holders they represent. +- **Voting on proposals**: DReps vote on proposals based on the priorities and interests of the Ada holders they represent. - **Voting power**: DReps voting power is proportional to the stake delegated to them. ### Stake Pool Operators (SPOs) From 41c011472fff93ff5d775a7bc9d1670a6167d773 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Nicolas Cerny <61423239+thenic95@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2024 09:56:23 +0200 Subject: [PATCH 07/10] Update docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md Co-authored-by: Robert Phair --- docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md b/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md index d46d57bd94..afd8599858 100644 --- a/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md +++ b/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md @@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ DReps will serve as officials representing Ada holders in the governance system. - **Proposing and debating changes to the Cardano protocol**: DReps propose and debate changes to the Cardano protocol, but they also play a crucial communication role. They gather feedback from the community and represent constituent interests during governance discussions. - **Voting on proposals**: DReps vote on proposals based on the priorities and interests of the Ada holders they represent. -- **Voting power**: DReps voting power is proportional to the stake delegated to them. +- **Voting power**: DReps' voting power is proportional to the stake delegated to them. ### Stake Pool Operators (SPOs) From 99c2946927c68c8ef661f8540c23db190a5213ac Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Nicolas Cerny <61423239+thenic95@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2024 09:56:31 +0200 Subject: [PATCH 08/10] Update docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md Co-authored-by: Robert Phair --- docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md b/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md index afd8599858..f8e5914ab6 100644 --- a/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md +++ b/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md @@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ SPOs are fundamental to the network's operational integrity and will also play a The Constitutional Committee will oversee and guide the governance process to adhere to Cardano’s foundational governance principles as defined in the Cardano Constitution. It will: -- **Interpret the Cardano Constitution**: The CC ensures that governance actions align with the constitution. +- **Interpret the Cardano Constitution**: The CC ensures that governance actions align with the Constitution. - **Provide checks and balances**: The CC offers a system of checks and balances by reviewing the constitutionality of governance actions. - **Ensure transparency and fairness**: The CC works to maintain a governance process that is transparent, fair, and in line with the overall objectives of the Cardano ecosystem. - **Voting power**: Each CC member has one vote. From fab6fd043cfd222bbd34b9cce7ea8a8bb7af602b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Nicolas Cerny <61423239+thenic95@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2024 09:56:39 +0200 Subject: [PATCH 09/10] Update docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md Co-authored-by: Robert Phair --- docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md b/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md index f8e5914ab6..9d89e956cf 100644 --- a/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md +++ b/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md @@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ The Constitutional Committee will oversee and guide the governance process to ad During the [bootstrapping phase](https://github.com/cardano-foundation/CIPs/tree/master/CIP-1694#bootstrapping-phase), which we will enter right after the Chang hard fork, an Interim Constitutional Committee will be established to: -- **Support initial governance structures**: Ensure the smooth functioning of governance systems post the bootstrap phase. +- **Support initial governance structures**: Ensure the smooth functioning of governance systems after the bootstrap phase. - **Transition to a fully established CC**: Provide guidelines and frameworks for a fully-fledged Constitutional Committee. - **Voting power**: Each member has one vote. From 394f5d69ea01d198b82b2af6b8517db09f545003 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Nicolas Cerny <61423239+thenic95@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2024 09:58:18 +0200 Subject: [PATCH 10/10] Apply suggestions from code review Co-authored-by: Ryan <44342099+Ryun1@users.noreply.github.com> Co-authored-by: Robert Phair --- docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md | 12 ++++++------ 1 file changed, 6 insertions(+), 6 deletions(-) diff --git a/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md b/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md index 9d89e956cf..6722012a73 100644 --- a/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md +++ b/docs/governance/cardano-governance/overview.md @@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ slug: /governance/cardano-governance/governance-model title: Introduction to Cardano Protocol Governance sidebar_label: Overview sidebar_position: 1 -description: Cardano is implementing a decentralized governance model that empowers ada holders, introduces Delegated Representatives (DReps), leverages Stake Pool Operators (SPOs), and establishes a Constitutional Committee to ensure a democratic decision-making process. +description: Cardano is implementing a decentralized governance model that empowers Ada holders, introduces Delegated Representatives (DReps), leverages Stake Pool Operators (SPOs), and establishes a Constitutional Committee to ensure a democratic decision-making process. --- ## Cardano's Future Governance Model and Roles @@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ Cardano is advancing towards a decentralized governance model designed to empowe Ada holders are at the core of Cardano’s governance, wielding critical voting power and the ability to shape the blockchain's future: - **Delegation of Voting Power**: Ada holders can delegate their voting rights to DReps to aggregate their influence. This delegation process involves creating and issuing a delegation certificate from the Ada holder's stake key to the chosen DRep. -- **Participation as DReps**: Ada holders can register as DReps, allowing them to directly partake in the governance process, propose changes, and represent community interests. +- **Participation as DReps**: Ada holders can register as DReps, locking a deposit of `dRepDeposit`, allowing them to directly partake in the governance process, propose changes, and represent community interests. - **Submitting Governance Actions**: Any Ada holder can propose governance actions on the blockchain network. To initiate such an action, a deposit of `govActionDeposit` lovelace must be provided. This deposit will be returned once the action reaches its conclusion, either through enactment or expiration. - **Influence on Network Operations**: By delegating to specific SPOs, Ada holders indirectly influence the operational stability and security of the network and delegate their voting power for SPOs. @@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ SPOs are fundamental to the network's operational integrity and will also play a - **Participating in governance discussions**: SPOs contribute to governance discussions, particularly on technical aspects and implementation of protocol changes. - **Voting on governance actions** - **Implementing approved changes**: SPOs are responsible for upgrading their infrastructure to comply with changes approved through the governance process. -- **Voting power**: SPOs voting power is based on their active stake. +- **Voting power**: SPOs' voting power is based on their active stake. ### Constitutional Committee (CC) @@ -56,13 +56,13 @@ During the [bootstrapping phase](https://github.com/cardano-foundation/CIPs/tree - **Transition to a fully established CC**: Provide guidelines and frameworks for a fully-fledged Constitutional Committee. - **Voting power**: Each member has one vote. -The interim constitutional committee will have the power to change protocol parameters and, together with SPOs initiate hard forks. +The interim Constitutional Committee will have the power to change protocol parameters and, together with SPOs, initiate hard forks. ## Decision Making Process The governance process will involve: 1. **Off-Chain Discussion**: The majority of discussions and consensus-building about specific governance issues will happen off-chain before any governance action has been submitted to the blockchain. Gathering support for changes will be among the most difficult tasks of proposers. Proposals will undergo thorough discussion in various forums, allowing community members and stakeholders to provide feedback and suggest refinements. -2. **Governance Action Submission**: Any ada holder can submit a governance action as long as a sufficient ada deposit is provided. -3. **Voting**: Decisions on governance actions will be made through a democratic voting process involving DReps, SPOs, and the CC. The required threshold that have to be met to ratify a governance action are specified in the governance protocol parameters. A detailed overview of the governance parameters can be found [here](https://github.com/thenic95/cardano-governance/blob/main/Reports/Cardano%20Governance%20Parameter/cardano-governance-parameter-overview.md). +2. **Governance Action Submission**: Any Ada holder can submit a governance action as long as a sufficient ada deposit is provided. +3. **Voting**: Decisions on governance actions will be made through a democratic voting process involving DReps, SPOs, and the CC. The required thresholds that have to be met to ratify a governance action are specified in the governance protocol parameters. A detailed overview of the governance parameters can be found [here](https://github.com/thenic95/cardano-governance/blob/main/Reports/Cardano%20Governance%20Parameter/cardano-governance-parameter-overview.md). 4. **Enactment**: Governance actions are checked for ratification only at the epoch boundary. Once ratified, actions will be enacted at the next epoch boundary. The governance action deposit will be returned once a governance action has been enacted or expired. \ No newline at end of file