> 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/editor/decentralized-governance.md).

# Decentralized Governance

Cardano’s decentralized governance model is a system designed to distribute decision-making through community-led entities, proposals and voting. This self-sustaining approach to governance relies on certain key components within the ecosystem;

**Direct voters** are a primary component of the decentralized governance system in Cardano. They (classified as any ada-holder) are equipped to use the voting power of the ada to cast direct votes and actualise proposed governance actions.

**The delegation process** allows ada-holders to delegate their voting power to DReps, delegate to the pre-defined voting options (Abstain or No confidence), become a direct voter or registered DRep.

**Governance Bodies** - DReps, SPOs, and the Constitutional Committee 

The new governance model is designed to run on the efforts of the three (3) governance bodies. DReps are crucial to the governance process because of;

(1) Community advocacy.

(2) Contribution to the governance protocol delegated voter rights and voting on proposals. 

<figure><img src="https://873835664-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnCAczjI3nhWFTtjRBnpA%2Fuploads%2F17y8aRjQKLy8fkyl4LyI%2F1_Features.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=928a862d-221f-4379-869e-7d3350c44646" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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