While Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) are generating a great deal of excitement and anticipation, they also present a significant governance obstacle in terms of the possibility of power being concentrated in the hands of a small group of influential token holders.
It is impossible to overstate how serious this plutocracy issue is, necessitating a multifaceted strategy to protect the democratic integrity of DAOs. In order to secure, democratize, and streamline DAO operations, this article suggests an integrative governance model.
1. Delegated voting, random committees, and faceted governance
The implementation of a complex, delegative democratic system in DAOs is the first tenet of this proposal. Here, the DAO’s organizational structure is divided into specialized committees that each manage particular areas of decision-making. These committees are made up of members drawn at random from the pool of token owners, ensuring fair representation.
We suggest combining delegated and quadratic voting within each committee. Quadratic voting reduces the chance of dominance by wealthy token holders because it increases the cost of voting more votes exponentially. Delegative voting enables token holders to give their voting power to vetted agents, ensuring that their opinions are heard even when they are not actively participating in decisions. This model also promotes sustained participation in the DAO by rewarding token holding time with increased voting power.
2. Futarchy and the Harbinger Tax: Two Faces of the Same Coin
Second, using the Futarchy and Harbinger Tax mechanisms is advised. Futarchy, a governance model based on prediction markets, can be used in situations where the outcome of a decision is quantifiable. This guarantees that choices are made in a way that will benefit the DAO the most.
The Harbinger Tax mechanism, on the other hand, acts as a safeguard against the accumulation of majority tokens by a single entity. This model prevents an excessive concentration of voting power by requiring any member attempting to obtain significant control through mass token purchases to distribute or burn a portion of their tokens.
3. Upholding equality through individual identity verification
The final tenet of this governance structure is the “one person, one vote” tenet, which is realized through distinctive identity verification. It enables each member to cast a single vote, regardless of the number of tokens they have.
However, it is important to recognize the difficulty of maintaining decentralization and anonymity. Applying zero-knowledge proofs or decentralized identity platforms may provide a workable solution to get around this.
Although the proposed governance model may appear complex, it is simple and efficient and is aimed at protecting the democratic ethos of DAOs. This model aims to prevent DAOs from being dominated by a small number of strong entities while also encouraging a power balance and the active participation of all stakeholders in the DAO’s success.
Though promising, it’s important to realize that this model is primarily theoretical. Prior to implementation, it would require extensive testing, evaluation, and modification. Nevertheless, it offers a helpful guide for creating a strong, just, and democratic governance system within DAOs, aligning with the bigger picture of the blockchain landscape.
