What are Governance Tokens? Here’s All You Need To Know

Dhirendra Kumar
December 26, 2022 Updated July 17, 2025
Why Trust CoinGape
CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
governance tokens

What are the governance tokens?

In a decentralised protocol, governance tokens represent ownership. Governance tokens are tokens created by developers to empower token holders to influence the future of a protocol. The token holders have the ability to influence project choices, such as by proposing or voting on new feature proposals and even modifying the governance system itself.

Governance tokens are intended to provide holders with ownership rights in a completely decentralised protocol. Anyone who owns a governance token has the ability to affect the protocol’s future direction.

Also Read: What are Liquidity Pools? Here’s All You Need To Know

What is the purpose of a governance token?

Governance tokens are an essential part of decision-making in DAOs (or Decentralised Autonomous Organisations) that lack a clearly defined leadership.

Owners of governance tokens have total control over a protocol’s future direction. When it comes to voting on proposals, having a larger number of tokens equals having more voting power.

Governance token holders can vote on different proposals, such as spending budgets, new partnerships, or the introduction of brand-new features. 

Also Read: What is Whale Watching in Crypto? Here’s Everything You Need To Know

How do governance tokens work?

DAOs are different from conventional organisations in the sense that there is no central group of decision-makers; nonetheless, they need to make decisions that will shape the organization’s future.

These decisions are made by DAOs through a properly defined governance procedure that includes proposals and community votes. When a DAO proposal is put to a vote, governance token holders can cast their own vote on-chain.

The weight of a token holder’s vote is usually proportional to the number of tokens they own. For example, if Ali has 1000 tokens and Johnny has 100 tokens, Ali has ten times the voting power of Johnny.

Also Read: What is Consensus in Crypto? Here’s All You Need To Know

Advertisement
coingape google news

Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Dhirendra is a writer, producer, and journalist who has worked in the media industry for more than 3 years. A technology enthusiast, a curious person who loves to research and know about things. When he is not working, you can find him reading and understanding the world through the lens of the Internet.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.