What could a blockchain Constitution look like?

lovejoy (67) · 8 years ago (edited)

We further agree that software development is an imperfect art and will occasionally fail to faithfully mediate Rights among Members; therefore, it is necessary to establish processes for community governance.

Ahhh, the sweet sound of wisdom.

Dan, this is excellent.

Sometimes it seems in our desire to escape human folly through more perfect code, we sacrifice our human wisdom by delegating it away to software, thus leading us back to folly. I feel it's imperative we hold the perspective which sees the blockchain as fundamentally subservient to human concerns, that is, the needs of the participants, and their mutually agreed upon rights.

We are imperfect, and we build (increasingly less) imperfect systems. I'm glad to see at the leading edge of blockchain development, there is still a great deal of heart at work.

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15 votes

dana-edwards (74) · 8 years ago

I have some ideas and a whitepaper I'm working on which will focus exactly on this topic. I was intending to develop on a platform such as Tauchain but in general one of the concepts at the center of it all is the concept of a constitution. It appears you've arrived independently at the same ideas so I'm going to share your post around.

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gregm (67) · 8 years ago

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personz (66) · 8 years ago (edited)

I'm going to take the opposite position and say that I think this is pretty unnecessary, though a great touchstone for debate. You say in some comments (to paraphrase) that it is meant to facilitate a common understanding between people. I do not believe it would do that.

For one thing, we would have to rely on honest and competent smart contract writers to write contracts, and equally importantly honest and competent non-writing parties to a contract (counter parties in the terminology). What I mean is that it is up to smart contract writers and users to know how to go by the terms of a constitution, and how to implement this in code.

Far better would be something that is more in line with the code = law approach, which is to say, anything possible is legal. The kinds of things this constitution purports to provide would be translatable to code, though not easily - it's a hard problem. At a minimum we'd be looking at a common set of patterns or even libraries for constitutionally legal code. This would make several of the more ambiguous parts of the constitution irrelevant, parts which have holes and I believe are ripe for abuse in any case.

For example, how is one to show that assets have been appropriated unfairly? Who is the Arbitrator and how are they selected? And the emergency blockchain fork powers are also open for abuse. To invoke Goodwin's law, think of Nazi Germany, or more recently the state of emergency in France that is still ongoing since November 2015.

I would propose polymorphism with a mandatory root level parent object, like the Object object in Java, which every object must inherit and which restricts possible uses to the kinds of use cases which are permitted.

You could couple this with a number of other measures, such as

minimum counter signing per contract, both in absolute number of members and stake (to enforce some kind of peer review),
use formal proofs to insure code runs as intended with high probability
even go as far as restricting the smart contract language to be non Turing complete, particularly in the sense of looping

Another problem with the constitution as it is written is that it is much closer to a top level legal contract. Severability for example would never be found on a constitution but always on a contract. So clearly this is a hybrid. That is a big problem because it crosses the domain of practical responsibility to moral responsibility. I actually think that this is something which would be popular here, but I suggest that it is a step in the direction of cult building.

@krnel if you haven't seen this I think you would like it a lot.

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14 votes

personz (66) · 7 years ago (edited)

I just watched this video where you mention a blockchain constitution within the context of EOS

@dantheman I am hoping that you can respond to my original comment in light of this. I have the most upvoted critique of it here, which I am completely open on being corrected on, and I think it would help us understand the idea of it especially considering EOS, which is very exciting btw.

Thanks 🙂

Edit: So EOS is really a blockchain OS as you describe it in the video. This makes the Java style root object idea and most of the rest invalid; you're working on a different paradigm here.

You compare the constitution to a terms of service, which is much more what it looks like anyway, and basically my last point. So my follow up and replacement question is really this:

By what means do you imagine a blockchain constitution being enforced? i.e. how will this work practically?

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valued-customer (67) · 7 years ago

I am not competent to comment on most of what you say, being neither a lawyer, nor a coder, but would point out that there is a minimum of two signatories required to form agreement, and any framework that establishes a higher number arbitrarily prevents the rights of people to agree.

Thanks!

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personz (66) · 7 years ago

[...] any framework that establishes a higher number arbitrarily prevents the rights of people to agree

Interesting claim. Can you expand on this?

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tom74 (40) · 7 years ago

I think, it refers to it being harder for any number above 2 to agree. So maybe to expand on his statement, any number above 2 raises the chance for disagreement and therefore may restrict users rights unintentionally, since the asset or issue in question may or may not be in arbitration until resolved? Or I can be completely wrong.

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cryptogrizz (41) · 7 years ago

after the revolution

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steemrollin (69) · 8 years ago

Brilliant!!! I think this is an amazing foundation for a new society .. EOS can stand for Evolution Of Society. I couldn't be in any more agreement with the philosophical principles of this Constitution.

It would be great to get more information about the Rules of Dispute Resolution, Arbitrator and the arbitration process.

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azurejasper (61) · 8 years ago

Growing up in a country without a constitution like the US has, where every citizen quotes various points and amendments, this seems foreign to me. Shouldn't we be moving away from the restrictions of such agreements? Isn't that what's great about a decentralised platform like this? Now I'm not up to date on legal studies, and have little interest in such, and I don't mean to offend, simply questioning the need.

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dantheman (73) · 8 years ago

Absent an agreement between the two parties, both parties are subject to arbitrary law and judicial processes. Unlike traditional constitutions, this one is truly peer-to-peer, decentralized, and mutual.

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teamsteem (74) · 8 years ago

That comment help me made sense of the need of blockchain constitution. I hadn't realize it.

In some sense if more people would agree to some blockchain constitution this constitution could become more binding than state constitution which we agree are in reality non binding due to the fact that we supposedly agree to state constitution but in effect the treat of violence or imprisonment made if we don't respect state constitution make those invalid right from the gecko.

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azurejasper (61) · 8 years ago

Ok, I guess I need to read more into this and about agreements in general to truly grep it

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thelightreports (64) · 8 years ago

Hello Dan- In regards to Article 3 and 4- Would you be kind enough to elaborate a bit? Is there a cap on how much EXAMPLE one can buy? Would EXAMPLE be structured in such a way that the vote of all active/ contributory Steemians was equal across the board-? With standards to define 'active and contributory' of course.

What are your thoughts on a Constitutional Convention where Steemians gather virtually and debate and discuss the details of a Constitution? There's lots of really sharp people on this platform.

Thanks

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dantheman (73) · 8 years ago

That would be a good thing to clarify.

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inertia (73) · 8 years ago

One possible outcome: Blockchain Fiction: Warner to be Executed

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carlowenj (42) · 8 years ago

Would it be better to just allow this to develop organically. It already comes with bias from deep within the creators themselves. If it succeeds, good!!! if it fails, good!!!

Something new and better will unfold.

The Constitution of the United States of America was one of the greatest experiments of all time. Witness all around you how this treasure is unfolding.

We the people fail miserable at "keeping" it, much less something new.
Allow the free market to write the rules, that will prove much more valuable.

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dantheman (73) · 8 years ago

What part of this constitution is not part of the free market?

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carlowenj (42) · 8 years ago (edited)

Exactly, the moment you defend it, is it "free???" It has been well said, "truth" is an epistemological endeavor. I will be the first to admit, i do not know the answer, i am just observing how it trends. Word[s] is/are the most valuable asset we have, the moment you allow a body (few men) to define what the rules are it opens Pandora's box.
After two or more create THE Crypto- Constitution and a few men lay pen to it, ratify and oblige the blockchain as a whole, you have just lite a match to and endless game of amendment[s], gotcha regulation[s], and the pursuit of entities "necessary and reasonable" to "make sure" it is fair. All i wonder, is it worth it??? Just some thoughts on the matter. That's all...

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tom74 (40) · 7 years ago

If you defend your property rights, you are no longer free? The truth is self evident in the case of Blockchain. These Constitution ('s) would marry some of the greatest revelations of humanity to an immutable tome.

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valued-customer (67) · 7 years ago (edited)

I must agree that an at-will Constitution must generate organically, however, a simple suite of agreements can constitute a core, which, because people have certain features and needs in common, can be proposed.

Indeed, it is possible to conceive of this blockchain as being built on a core of agreements, which are universal in application, due to the fact that people are universal in form, and that subsequently builds on that core per the variety of people's beliefs and needs.

Thus, you'd have a core suite of agreements which are essentially ubiquitous, and then various amendments which are agreed to by the various signatories, and that signatories to the core who do not agree with do not sign. This would create a suite of governments that would reflect the actual voluntary agreements signatories undertake.

For example, you and I, in addition to the core suite, agree that all houses will be painted green. Bob doesn't agree, so doesn't participate in that agreement, leaving Bob free to paint his house any color he wants. If you or I change our mind, then the minimum of two signatories necessary for an agreement would no longer exist, and the clause would no longer be in effect.

It is conceivable that some parties may desire to cause others to be compelled to involuntary compliance with certain provisions, such as mutual defense, taxation, etc. This is what I see as the essential problem to be solved, as it may be difficult to imagine reconciling such facts as the need for mutual defense with the various means such defense can take, and it may be that there are certain facts that preclude the ability of persons to not voluntarily agree, such as basic human features and needs, like needing to breathe, drink, eat, excrete, etc.

It can be postulated that some persons may not agree that mutual defense is a need, for example, and I believe that such persons should not be compelled, nor availed in the case of their not voluntarily participating, of an agreement to that effect. However, in the current year, no one can fail to breathe and remain a signatory, as dying terminates their participation, so there can be some agreements that are universal, and involuntary.

A caveat is that different people breathe at different rates and volumes, for various reasons, so a set volume of air of given quality per breath isn't something that can be specified in any agreement, except to establish a minimum that is universally inclusive, or a maximum that no one needs to exceed, and even these must be variable, as the population changes, the actual boundaries change too. Quality, too, varies, as do the needs of people regarding it, and the possibility of providing a given quality of air.

So, while it might seem that a simple agreement that everyone has a right to breathe is universal and should be easy to codify as a core agreement, is actually quite a complex matter, and likely to be separated into various agreements as per the individuals needs and desires, in the real world where air quality is largely limited and impossible of arbitrary determination.

Indeed, the right to breathe is not a ludicrous example, as air pollution is a very significant factor affecting people, and that is believed to vary according to other factors, and cause many deaths where it is bad enough. I can see that some people will feel that others must be compelled to perform certain agreements that limit the production of air pollutants, and that others will utterly disagree.

The issue of breathing is a very good example of something that does need to be rationally dealt with in the real world today, and hopefully that treatment can be attained in the envisioned context.

I'd appreciate thoughts on these points. I'll resteem and look forward to watching this effort evolve and unfold.

Thanks!

EDIT: er, I would resteem, but that does not seem possible, as the button does not appear.

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aggroed (78) · 8 years ago

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pnc (64) · 8 years ago

The first Blockchain constitution is here. It's an honor to vote and sign-up for this constitution and I hope other Blockchain projects could follow the same and get their community members agree on some basic principles that would govern their work.

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kyriacos (71) · 8 years ago

Wouldn't it be more practical to allow members create their own constitutions within their own smart contracts? I believe it will be inefficient to just have a general constitution for a single currency. It is self-limiting.

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dantheman (73) · 8 years ago

And when there is a dispute between two people who both use the same platform?

Nothing stops two people from agreeing to a higher level contract that supersedes the constitution so long as it is not in conflict with the constitution.

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kyriacos (71) · 8 years ago

The contract itself owes to be self-sufficient to resolve such issues due to the inevitable limited understanding of the parties involved.

I do think it is a good idea to have a general constitution but I can't help to ponder upon all the misunderstandings that will surface. Take for example today's constitution; simple words like "property" can take quite a different spin in regards to how it is perceived and defended (depending on given vested interests).

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dantheman (73) · 8 years ago

This is why we create smart contracts which eliminate most misunderstandings.

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kyriacos (71) · 8 years ago

well, exactly my point. The constitution is rendered redundant.

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lovejoy (67) · 8 years ago

As I see it, the constitution is the yard-stick, where smart contracts are the inches. That is, a constitution provides the framework, and smart contracts handle the specifics.

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full-steem-ahead (65) · 8 years ago (edited)

I share some of this concern, however this appears to be an excellent first attempt.

I did notice there seems to be some ambiguity in ARTICLE 7:

We agree the Producers may, but are not required to, update the Blockchain software...
...
The minority Producers shall either upgrade their software according to the approved update, or they shall cease producing blocks immediately.

I understand the first sentence to say updating the software is voluntary, whereas the last part dictates that to remain a Producer one must upgrade to the majority Approved version, once conditions for approval have been met. In legalese, shall and must are synonyms (equivalent). I am curious what the rationale for the first sentence is, and what situation or scenario it was meant to address. IMHO the "but not required to" should be removed. It is important that the versions of software in use by all witness are compatible, and this section defines the terms for which Witnesses are required to upgrade that software so it remains so.

What does this say about dissenting minorities? Isn't this the essence of how hardforks are used to split a blockchain? Could this be viewed as a means to maintain the status quo? Perhaps you should consider a clause similar to the U.S. Declaration of Independence which states (paraphrased) that when the governance ceases to represent the will of the people it is their duty to establish a new contract that conforms to the will of the people.

So yes, the English language is versatile enough (some would say ambiguous enough) to provide for such constructions that could be viewed as contradictory.

Still, aside from this specific section this is very well written and is indeed an excellent template upon which refinements can be made.

Well done @dan!

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tom74 (40) · 7 years ago

In the Constitution it appears you are giving AI or a "legal person" full rights. I am not judging that, I wonder if there is an issue with a possible imbalance in votes between what we call a "normal person" today and AI population in the future? If we gave IOT devices full voting rights we are already a minority.

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valued-customer (67) · 7 years ago (edited)

Every agreement we undertake is a form of government. There are an impossible number of governing agreements presently, and many features of many of them are, in fact, neither lawful nor enforceable. In previous comment I have pointed out that there are certain facts of human existence that make a core of agreement both possible and universal of application.

I have also pointed out that it is possible to create a single form of agreement that can sustain a variety of sub-agreements that exist on top of the core of universal application, yet permit utterly contradictory agreements to co-exist.

While you and I could agree all people need to paint their homes green, others might agree that all people need to paint their homes red. Both these agreements could co-exist side by side. Neither agreement could be compelled to be adopted by those that disagree, and signatories thereto could, in a rational blockchain Constitution, withdraw at will at any time they change their mind.

It is also impossible to envision precluding the formation of other constitutions, in a just world.

I strongly advocate for a form of currency that is limited to one per signatory, that is assignable by proxy as I have previously outlined, and that expires upon the termination of the agreement. This seems an essential feature of any just form of blockchain constitution.

Thanks!

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akiyoshi (58) · 8 years ago

Hi dantheman.
Exactly, what you write is very clear about the definition of the constitution of blockchain. Great work..

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carlowenj (42) · 8 years ago

I agree; [t]he pen use well, he do.

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joshuaseymour (27) · 7 years ago

This reminds me of The Prime Law.

(The Fundamental of Protection)

Preamble

The purpose of human life is to prosper and live happily.

The function of government is to provide the conditions that let individuals fulfill that purpose.

The Prime Law guarantees those conditions by forbidding the use of initiatory force, fraud, or coercion by any person or group against any individual, property, or contract.

Article 1

No person, group of persons, or government shall initiate force, threat of force, or fraud against any individual’s self, property, or contract.

Article 2

Force is morally-and-legally justified only for protection from those who violate Article 1.

Article 3

No exceptions shall exist for Articles 1 and 2.

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liberosist (70) · 8 years ago

I like it! I can see why this would be controversial in anarchy circles, but I see it as a mature approach that combines decentralization with the benefits of governance. You get to participate in a free market, but have some protection for your rights.

Does mean that Producers and Arbitrators have much greater responsibility than in previous dPoS solutions. With scale, there could be thousands of contract disputes to resolve everyday. Eagerly awaiting to learn about EOS' solution.

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barrydutton (74) · 8 years ago

I'm hoping to get involved Dan, there is so much on the go, everywhere and IRL for me.

Sommer says she will be seeing you guys in NYC soon for conference/Concensys (sp?) -- I will wish you the best til I can get more involved my friend.

Have a good week and good run up to NYC.

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jacobts (65) · 8 years ago

I'm so blown away, I'm gonna tweet about it!
https://twitter.com/jacobts/status/864677705190711297

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twitterbot (56) · 8 years ago

jAcΩb tweeted @ 17 May 2017 - 03:03 UTC

EOS is coming.
@Steemit

steemit.com/eos/@dantheman… / https://t.co/BrZivmZVuT

Disclaimer: I am just a bot trying to be helpful.

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jacobts (65) · 7 years ago

"The only inevitable constant is Change." ~Time

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https://steemit.com/steemit/@digicrypt/escape-the-social-media-ghetto

digicrypt (60) · 8 years ago

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shayne (68) · 8 years ago

This is amazing … definitely getting a resteem

@shayne

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sevinwilson (65) · 8 years ago

Resteemed! Everyone needs to read this!

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prufarchy (68) · 8 years ago

This is a DAO city/community/region that I would voluntarily support.

Just so I understand it correctly, the economy of the DAO under this voluntary constitution would bind the currency to EXAMPLE for the businesses as well? I am imagining this constitution as being able to live alongside others so i'm curious about the cross economies and the disenfranchised.

I'm curious because I wonder how the free market security DAO's, under this constitution, might handle the issue.

I feel like a community that would live under this constitution would probably have solid charity organizations that could at least offer shelter and opportunities to join the community. But how far do/should security service DAO's take it?

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boomerangbread (53) · 8 years ago

This was well done! I wish every contract was this clear and easy to understand. Most contracts are dilled with jargen to throw people off. Who really reads a whole contract anyway? Not many people. I sold cars for a short period of time and nobody read the contract. If this short and easy to read less people would get into bad deals.

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valued-customer (67) · 7 years ago

Well, I do read agreements, generally, before I accede to them. You never sold me a car.

I think that the agreements we make are ALL government, and that creating such a Constitution as this has the potential to make agreements far less unpalatable. Government, in actuality, is nothing more than an agreement. It is not a building. It is not money, or arms, or votes, although all these things can be used for government.

Thanks!

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tom74 (40) · 7 years ago

Maintaining property rights by ensuring reversibility by bad actors/honest mistakes, is your sticking point? How do you solve issues without an agreement? I fail to see how you can accomplish what he is attempting without doing what he is doing. I believe he is as fluid and precise as he can be with his movements. Utopia will not be built by stifling the voices of the wronged.

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valued-customer (67) · 7 years ago

Hi @tom74. I fail to see that this reply to my comment references my comment. Perhaps it was meant for a different comment?

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get-baking (53) · 8 years ago

I am ready to sign on the dotted line! X

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ausbitbank (73) · 8 years ago

Love it, I hope this becomes a new standard for crypto constitutions. Resteemed

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arnel (68) · 8 years ago

Interesting, very reasonable. Good thing you thought about this aspect on blockchain...

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olga.maslievich (74) · 8 years ago

Great work! Thank you for sharing!

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marioworld (14) · 8 years ago (edited)

I'm not completely convinced a Constitution would be necessary, or desirable. Though, I have suggestions if implemented

Use modern day language. No need for nostalgia style writing.
Dump everything regarding "life" and "liberty". This is a blockchain, not a governing body. It can secure property, but beyond that it really doesn't have authority or power.
The Document seems a little long. “Make things as simple as possible, but not simpler.” - Albert Einstein

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jznsamuel (71) · 8 years ago

While this sounds great, I only wish that a country like India doesn't declare cryptocurrencies illegal.
The central banking institution asks people to stay away, and we don't have a regulatory body as such till the government decides what to do. Sigh!

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valued-customer (67) · 7 years ago

It is a demonstrable fact that making desirable things illegal creates black markets. India, and all present governments, are incapable of persisting due to their inability to create actual voluntary agreements that are enforceable.

In time, this will change, and perhaps this constitution will be significant in effecting that change.

Thanks!

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jznsamuel (71) · 7 years ago

Yes, hope sustains the future. As you said, black markets will thrive if the government does not give their nod. Waiting for positive outcome.

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avvah (50) · 7 years ago (edited)

Hi Dan, I have to ask, why are payouts declined for your post?

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velimir (78) · 7 years ago

Dropped by to tell you I really appreciate what you guys started and do here.
Best,
@velimir

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lepton (53) · 7 years ago

This is an amazing age and its only going to get better. After reading this I realized its not just an interesting topic to geek out about but something that we will actually need. I also like the voting system you proposed, that could be the way...

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valued-customer (67) · 7 years ago

I very much like this effort, and would like to contribute this thought: Example, as it represents the power to vote, should be issued such that each signatory has exactly one Example.

Each vote requires the possession of one Example, and costs no Example. Upon using your Example to vote, your Example is used, and you no longer have the Example require to vote again.

While no signatory may possess more, or less, than one Example, a signatory may be assigned authority by another to vote on a given item by being assigned proxy, which is limited per the instructions of the assignor, and may be assigned per vote, per issue, or as a blanket which covers all votes, or any conceivable manner between these extremes. The assignor can re-assign their proxy at any time, at their sole recognizance.

Each signatory receives one Example upon signing, and can never lose or spend that example as long as they live, except by terminating their participation, whereupon that Example is eliminated.

This makes the pool of Example exactly the number of signatories, and provides a means of ensuring that votes are limited to only such signatories as vote, and that each signatory is equal in power over their own person.

Also, in the first line in the Preamble, it is stated that this agreement 'grants' rights. Rights cannot be granted. Rights can be recognized. It is only because we have rights inherently that we can enter into agreements.

Please do change 'grant' to 'recognize'.

I haven't finished reading this, and have to go to work, but expect to have more comments when I get the chance to finish reading it.

I'd like to hear what y'all think of the concept of limiting Example to one per signatory, and allowing at will proxy.

Thanks!

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belerophon (56) · 7 years ago

"We also agree that precedent of prior rulings shall not be used as the basis of future rulings."

This clause is a problem. This means that questionable issues can never be clarified by arbitration. Every time a case comes up the legal question is reviewed denovo. Users need to know what the rules are. It would be better to allow precedents, but allow precedents to be challenged with an appeal board.

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colivingclub (36) · 7 years ago

The idea of creating informal Constitution of Blockchains looks pretty significant. You have done a wonderful job creating it. It would be great if all Blockchain projects would treat your idea with respect follow the indications you mentioned.

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jga (65) · 7 years ago

Very good work. I like it!!
But what is the reason for the "Termination of Agreement " ? Then if I not use my money during 3 years I will lost it? What about if it is very much?
Just thinking. But I very like the idea of the Constitution

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edicted (72) · 7 years ago (edited)

Wow my brain was trying to wrap itself around this idea the other day and I have having major trouble... You really nailed it. Blockchain voting is a great idea. You have a blockchain but instead of currency it stores the people in your government. So much harder to rig an election and still manages to maintain voter privacy. With your private key you can always check to make sure your vote was not tampered with. Also, a blockchain government could evolve exponentially faster than the traditional ones we see today.

My question is: In a perfect world would you weight votes based on how active the person was in the political community? This is practically how Steemit works and it seems great so far. In my opinion a brainwashed purchased vote shouldn't count as much as an educated one, but at the same time you'd have to do everything to avoid corrupting this idea with racism and discrimination. Although I think the transparency of the blockchain would effectively combat this on its own.

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oluwoleolaide (68) · 8 years ago

Noted and printed out.I will love to memorize the Constitution.

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