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Understanding the proposal process in polkadot governance

Polkadot Governance Explained | Community-Driven Proposals Spark Debate

By

Sarah Mitchell

Jun 1, 2025, 01:36 PM

Edited By

Isabella Rios

2 minutes of duration

Visual representation of the proposal process in Polkadot governance, showing a flow chart with decision points and connections to DAOs.
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The Polkadot network is gaining attention for its unique governance structure, as community members actively discuss how proposals affect the platform. A recent conversation highlights whether proposals in Polkassembly pertain solely to Polkadot governance or extend to external decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs).

What's Happening?

A user recently inquired about the nature of proposals made on Polkassembly. They sought clarity on whether these proposals are exclusively tied to the governance of Polkadot's ecosystem or if they also apply to other DAOs utilizing Polkadot's infrastructure.

Direct Insights from the Community

Community responses noted that proposals on Polkassembly are strictly related to Polkadot's governance. For instance, one user confirmed, "These proposals are part of our on-chain governance system that DOT holders vote on.” They further explained that proposals cover important topics like software upgrades, treasury expenditures, and protocol modifications.

The consensus seems clear: "You can definitely consider Polkadot a DAO. It’s governed entirely on-chain by its community of DOT holders." Anyone can submit proposals by locking DOT, fostering inclusivity within the governance process.

Key Themes Emerging from Discussion

  1. Community Involvement: The process promotes active participation, allowing DOT holders a voice in critical decisions.

  2. Protocol Autonomy: Once approved, proposals are automatically enacted, streamlining governance.

  3. DAO Classification: Many in the community agree that Polkadot qualifies as a DAO based on its governance model.

β€œProposals are submitted by anyone who locks up some DOT”

Community Sentiment

While users express eagerness regarding the governance process, there is a consistent emphasis on the need for clarity about the relationship between Polkadot and other DAOs.

Key Takeaways

  • ♻️ Polkadot proposals focus solely on its own governance.

  • πŸ“ˆ DOT holders influence significant decisions like upgrades and funding.

  • πŸ›οΈ The community largely views Polkadot as a DAO due to its governance style.

Curiously, this environment may pave the way for deeper engagement among community members. The ongoing dialogue around governance indicates a healthy and dynamic ecosystem at work. With more proposals on the horizon, how will the community adjust to the evolving needs of Polkadot?

What Lies Ahead for Polkadot Governance

The future of Polkadot's governance process appears promising, with a high likelihood of increased community engagement. As more proposals arise, experts predict a rise in the number of DOT holders actively locking their tokens to contribute. Estimates suggest that participation could grow by as much as 30% in the coming months as more members realize the impact of their involvement. This shift may lead to faster decision-making and an even more responsive governance model. Moreover, as other DAOs look to Polkadot as a framework, we might see an influx of innovative proposals combining various governance techniques, creating a more dynamic landscape.

A Fresh Perspective from the Past

An interesting parallel can be drawn to the way communal farms in early American settlements functioned. Just as those farmers had to unite to create effective rules around crop sharing and resource management, the Polkadot community is navigating similar challenges today. Each farmer’s input was vital, and the success of the farm relied on inclusive decision-making. In both cases, the community's strength lies in its ability to adapt and thrive through collaboration, illustrating that effective governance often emerges from shared responsibility and a commitment to collective success.