How to participate in Cardano's on-chain governance?

Cardano's on-chain governance, empowered by a Proof-of-Stake voting system, allows users who stake their ADA to participate in shaping the platform's future through proposal submissions and voting.

Feb 16, 2025 at 01:31 am

Key Points:

• Cardano's governance model is based on a decentralized voting system.
• To participate in on-chain governance, users must stake their ADA.
• Voting is conducted through proposals submitted by the community.
• Participants can vote for or against proposals, as well as submit their own proposals.
• Successful proposals are implemented into the Cardano protocol.

How to Participate in Cardano's On-Chain Governance:

1. Stake Your ADA

To participate in on-chain governance, users must first stake their ADA. Staking can be done through a staking pool or a personal wallet. By staking their ADA, users delegate their voting power to a stake pool operator, who will vote on their behalf.

2. Join a Voting Pool

Voting pools are groups of users who pool their ADA together to increase their voting power. Joining a voting pool allows users to participate in governance without having to operate a stake pool themselves.

3. Submit a Proposal

To submit a governance proposal, users must create a proposal draft on the Cardano Improvement Proposals (CIP) platform. CIPs are technical specifications that propose changes to the Cardano protocol.

4. Submit Cardano Enhancement Proposal (CEP)

Cardano Enhancement Proposals (CEPs) are distinct from CIPs. CEPs are used to suggest non-technical improvements to the Cardano ecosystem, including changes to governance procedures, funding mechanisms, and community engagement initiatives.

5. Cast Your Vote

Once a proposal has been submitted, users can vote for or against it through their staking pool or personal wallet. Voting typically takes place over a period of several weeks.

6. Proposal Implementation

If a proposal receives a majority of votes, it is implemented into the Cardano protocol. The implementation timeline varies depending on the complexity of the proposal.

FAQs:

Q: What are the eligibility requirements to participate in governance?

A: To participate in governance, users must stake their ADA. There are no other eligibility requirements.

Q: What is the voting mechanism used in Cardano's governance system?

A: Cardano's governance system uses a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) voting mechanism. Users who stake their ADA have voting power proportional to their stake.

Q: How often do governance votes occur?

A: Governance votes occur on a regular basis, typically every six months. However, extraordinary votes may be held if necessary.

Q: Can users submit their own proposals?

A: Yes, users can submit their own proposals by creating a proposal draft on the Cardano Improvement Proposals (CIP) platform.

Q: How do I track the status of proposals I've voted on?

A: Users can track the status of proposals they've voted on through the Cardano Catalyst Project Catalyst website.