Definition ∞ Distributed governance refers to a system where decision-making authority and control over a network or organization are spread across many participants rather than concentrated in a central body. In blockchain contexts, this often involves token holders voting on protocol changes, treasury allocations, or other key operational matters. This model seeks to achieve censorship resistance and reduce single points of failure. It promotes transparency and collective ownership among stakeholders.
Context ∞ The concept of distributed governance is central to the ethos of many decentralized networks and is frequently discussed in crypto news concerning protocol upgrades and community proposals. Challenges include achieving sufficient participation, managing conflicting interests among diverse stakeholders, and ensuring efficient decision execution. The evolution of DAOs and on-chain governance models continues to be a prominent area of development and debate within the digital asset space.