> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://drepchain.gitbook.io/toolkit/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://drepchain.gitbook.io/toolkit/start-your-drep-journey/quickstart.md). # Overview In this overview, we highlight the governance model and some key fundamentals of the Voltaire Era. ## What is Cardano Governance? The Cardano Governance process is a fully decentralized, community-driven decision-making system, with structures, recognized governance bodies, and ada-holders who vote to influence what changes happen and how they are established within the ecosystem. The model, which was developed out of the [CIP-1694](https://github.com/cardano-foundation/CIPs/blob/master/CIP-1694/README.md#abstract) blockchain improvement proposal, revised previous governance processes and outlined changes that reflect the vision of the Voltaire Era of Cardano, that is, a self-functioning blockchain network. {% embed url="" %} After the enactment of the constitution, Cardano moved into a fully decentralized on-chain governance system which prioritizes a community with a voice in decision-making and ecosystem growth. ### Features Of Decentralized Governance 1. **Community Ownership -** In a decentralized system, community members all participate in decision-making and manage how governance policies and infrastructures are run. 2. **Dynamic -** Decentralised governance establishes instances to be dynamic and introduces new ideas and technical expertise when participating in governance activities. 3. **Transparency -** Managing treasury systems under a decentralised governance ensures new levels of transparency and control from the community. With voting rationed between three (3) independent governing bodies, decision-making is candid. ### Brief Overview Of The Process On-chain governance relies on the participation of ada-holders who can contribute to decision-making by submitting governance actions and voting (either directly or through delegation) on these actions. **Proposal Submission:** Cardano community members can submit proposals for improvement or treasury access. Any ada holder with 100,000 Ada deposit can submit a governance action (GA) for community consideration through gov.tools\ \ **Discussion Forum:** Drafted proposals are evaluated by the community of voters in the comment section of every proposal. Ada holders are required to connect their wallet to participate in discussions before potential live GA and voting. **Voting:** Ada-holders vote directly or delegate their voting stake to DReps who make decisions, alongside the constitutional committee and other SPOs within specified voting periods, Epochs. **Ratification:** Governance actions are ratified through on-chain voting actions. Different kinds of governance actions have different ratification requirements but always involve two of the three governance bodies, with the exception of a hard-fork initiation and security-relevant protocol parameters, which requires ratification by all governance bodies. **Enactment:** Governance actions are checked for ratification only on an epoch boundary. Once ratified, actions are staged for enactment. **Treasury Allocation:** Approved treasury withdrawal actions receive funding from the Cardano treasury to implement developments.
{% embed url="" %} *** ### Key Roles In Decentralized Governance **Ada-Holders** Any ada-holder can participate in on-chain governance activities directly or by delegating their voting stake to registered DReps who would act on their behalf. Ada holders who choose to delegate their stake are however encouraged to periodically check their DRep's participation. **Delegated Representatives (DReps)** Delegated Representatives (DReps) play an important role in ensuring decentralization within Cardano. DReps representing ada-holders contribute expert-level participation during voting periods. **Stake Pool Operators (SPOs)** Stake Pool operators contribute to decentralized governance by maintaining the Cardano network. As with DReps, any ada-holder can register to become an SPO and participate in governance, with limited voting rights. **Constitutional Committee (CC)** The committee reviews and votes on the constitutionality of all governance actions except for motion of no confidence and update committee governance actions. The constitutional committee votes alongside DReps and SPOs on-chain. *** {% hint style="info" %} Would you like to share an extensive feedback? Click [here.](https://forms.gle/8hhhCfn8GhqkjGNC8) {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} Would you like to help maintain this toolkit by suggesting and/or contributing some content? Click [here.](https://forms.gle/yk2kqEhEUQEUG88x5) {% endhint %}