Definition ∞ A constitutional constraint in the context of digital assets denotes a fundamental, often immutable, rule or parameter embedded within a blockchain protocol’s design. These constraints define the core operational boundaries and economic incentives of the system. They are typically established at the protocol’s genesis and are exceedingly difficult to alter without a major network upgrade or hard fork. Such rules govern aspects like token supply limits or consensus mechanism principles.
Context ∞ News frequently covers debates regarding proposed changes to a protocol’s foundational rules, often leading to community governance votes or contentious hard forks. The immutability or flexibility of these constitutional constraints is a key factor in a network’s long-term stability and adaptability. Observing how these deeply embedded rules influence protocol evolution and community consensus provides essential context for understanding significant blockchain developments.