How Cardano governance works
Cardano is governed by its community. Three groups vote on proposals that shape the network. Together, they decide on everything from protocol upgrades to treasury funding.
Choose your path
- 01UnderstandLearn how governance works
- 02DelegateGive voting power to a DRep
- 03LeadRun for a governance role
Learn how governance works
New to Cardano governance? Read the constitution, explore governance action charts, or browse the governance tools to understand how proposals move from submission to enactment.
FAQ
Answers to common questions about delegation and governance.
Everything you need to know to participate with confidence.
Not sure where to start?
Take a short guided path to understand your options and find the governance role that fits you best.
A Model To Marginalize None, And Give Power To All.
Our current systems do not work for everyone. A better, more positive future is possible. If the world is to serve the many, it must be agreed to by the many. Consensus must drive progress and where disagreement occurs, it must drive creative solutions.
What governance has achieved
Cardano governance is not theoretical. Real decisions are being made by the community every epoch.
SPOs and DReps voted on Plutus limits
The community voted on raising Plutus execution limits to expand smart contract capacity, letting DApps run more logic per transaction.
Protocol
Constitution updated with 79% support
The Cardano community ratified an updated constitution through on-chain governance, introducing stricter standards for transparency and standalone accountability.
Constitution
Hard fork to Protocol v11 proposed
The community began coordinating the next protocol upgrade to Protocol Version 11 through the governance process, forming a working group to gather feedback before any formal governance action.
Protocol
Constitutional Committee elected
The first Constitutional Committee was elected by the community through an on-chain governance action.
Committee
Treasury withdrawals enacted
The community voted to fund projects directly from the Cardano treasury, directing resources toward ecosystem growth.
TreasuryHow to delegate
Get a compatible wallet
Most popular Cardano wallets support governance delegation. If you already have a wallet with ada, you are ready to go.
governance Terms you should know
Governance tools
Tools to help you participate in Cardano governance.
DRepTalk
Delegate, register as a DRep, and discuss governance
CGOV
Governance dashboard for proposals and voting
Cardano Governance Tool
Delegate, register as DRep, and vote on proposals
Chang Watch
Vote distribution and DRep insights dashboard
Clarity Protocol
Community governance toolkit for Cardano projects
Governance Space
Indexer and analytics for Cardano governance
Governance Voting Tool
Simple on-chain governance voting tool
Sundae Treasury Dashboard
Milestone-based treasury disbursement platform
Supply Summary
Historical Ada supply and treasury distribution
Tempo
Governance tool for DReps to register and engage
Treasury Donation
Donate ada to the Cardano treasury