The established blockchain platform Cardano (ADA) has initiated the first phase of its "Chang" hard fork upgrade on September 1, marking a pivotal shift to community-led, token-based decentralized governance.
This upgrade ushers Cardano into its final development phase — the "Voltaire" era — where ADA token holders gain direct influence over the network's future through electing governance representatives and voting on development proposals.
Key Governance Structure Changes
The upgrade establishes three user-led governance bodies:
- Constitutional Committee: Oversees foundational rules and amendments
- Delegated Representatives (dReps): Elected community voices
- Stake Pool Operators (SPOs): Technical infrastructure maintainers
Two-Phase Implementation Timeline
Phase 1 (Current Stage)
- Introduces interim Constitutional Committee
- 90-day transition to community-led governance
- Enables representative registration and campaigns
- Governance framework testing period
Phase 2 (Q1 2025)
- Full empowerment of new governance bodies
- Final constitution ratification
- Complete decentralization of decision-making
👉 Discover how decentralized governance transforms blockchain ecosystems
ADA Market Position Update
While ADA once ranked among the top 5 cryptocurrencies, recent competition from TRON (TRX) and Toncoin (TON) has impacted its standing:
- Current rank: #12 (down from top 10)
- Price: $0.329 (-4% 24h change)
- Market cap: $11.7 billion
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Cardano's governance model unique?
Cardano's tiered governance combines constitutional oversight, elected representation, and technical operators — creating checks and balances absent in many blockchain systems.
How can ADA holders participate in governance?
After Phase 2 completion, holders can:
- Stake tokens to vote
- Run as dRep candidates
- Submit improvement proposals
Why is the constitution important?
The constitution serves as Cardano's foundational legal framework, ensuring governance continuity and protecting against centralized control.
👉 Explore Cardano's roadmap for complete decentralization
Note: All price data reflects market conditions at time of writing. Cryptocurrency investments carry risk — always conduct independent research before trading.