Summary of the Cardano Constitution Proposal
Abstract
The Cardano Constitution is proposed to replace the Interim Constitution, following extensive community consultations throughout 2024. The Interim Constitution was temporary, with its Appendix II requiring a final version to be submitted on-chain by January 31, 2025.
Motivation
- CIP-1694 & The Age of Voltaire: Established decentralized governance, ensuring every ADA holder has a voice in decision-making.
- Community Collaboration: Over a year of global workshops led to a refined version of CIP-1694, shaping on-chain governance rules, parameters, and principles.
Hard Forks Enabling Governance
- Chang Hard Fork (September 1, 2024): Implemented initial on-chain governance and an interim constitution.
- Plomin Hard Fork: Transitioned governance from the bootstrap phase to full on-chain governance, requiring the ratification of the final constitution.
Consensus Process
- The Constitution Ratification Working Group (CRWG), alongside governance experts and the Cardano Parameter Committee, drafted the constitution.
- 63 workshops in over 50 countries (July-October 2024) engaged 1,400+ participants in discussions.
- Each workshop elected a Constitutional Delegate and Alternate to represent their views at the Constitutional Convention.
- Multiple rounds of revisions were made based on feedback, culminating in a final draft on November 20, 2024.
- At the Constitutional Convention (December 5, 2024), the final constitution was approved by 95% of delegates.
Ongoing Governance & Amendments
- The constitution is not final; future amendments may be needed.
- Governance workstreams in 2025 will refine governance processes, procedures, and potential amendments based on community feedback.
Rationale & Compliance with Interim Constitution
The final constitution meets all ratification criteria outlined in the Interim Constitution (Appendix II):
- 63 global workshops (held across 52 countries)
- 140 delegates elected (70 voting, 70 non-voting)
- Constitutional Convention held December 4-6, 2024
- Final approval by a 95% majority
- Submitted as a governance action on January 30, 2025
This submission marks a historic milestone in Cardano’s transition to fully decentralized governance under CIP-1694.
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Would you say [yes] or [no] to this proposal?**