> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](/llms.txt)

# L1 Contracts

Work in Progress

This page provides a high-level overview of Aztec's governance contracts. The contract interfaces and implementations are still evolving. For the authoritative source, see the [l1-contracts repository](https://github.com/AztecProtocol/aztec-packages/tree/next/l1-contracts/src/governance).

## Contract Overview

The Aztec governance system consists of several L1 smart contracts:

| Contract               | Purpose                                                               |
| ---------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Registry**           | Tracks all rollup instances; determines which is canonical            |
| **Governance**         | Handles proposal voting and execution                                 |
| **GovernanceProposer** | Manages sequencer signaling and proposal submission                   |
| **GSE**                | Governance Staking Escrow - manages validator stakes and voting power |
| **Rollup**             | The rollup contract itself; validators stake here                     |

## Registry

The [Registry](https://github.com/AztecProtocol/aztec-packages/blob/next/l1-contracts/src/governance/Registry.sol) maintains an append-only list of rollup instances. Only the Governance contract (as owner) can add new rollups.

Key properties:

* **Backwards compatible**: All historical rollups remain accessible
* **Canonical selection**: Only the latest rollup receives block rewards
* **Immutable entries**: Once added, rollup addresses cannot be removed

## Governance

The [Governance](https://github.com/AztecProtocol/aztec-packages/blob/next/l1-contracts/src/governance/Governance.sol) contract is the decision-making body that executes approved proposals.

Key functions:

* `deposit()` / `initiateWithdraw()` - Manage voting power
* `vote()` - Cast votes on proposals
* `execute()` - Execute approved proposals

See [Proposal Lifecycle](/participate/governance/proposal-lifecycle.md) for how proposals move through the system.

## GovernanceProposer

The [GovernanceProposer](https://github.com/AztecProtocol/aztec-packages/blob/next/l1-contracts/src/governance/proposer/GovernanceProposer.sol) handles the signaling phase where sequencers vote to promote payloads to proposals.

Key functions:

* `signal()` - Sequencers signal support for a payload during their slot
* `submitRoundWinner()` - Submit a payload that reached quorum as a proposal

## GSE (Governance Staking Escrow)

The [GSE](https://github.com/AztecProtocol/aztec-packages/blob/next/l1-contracts/src/governance/GSE.sol) holds validator stakes and manages voting power delegation.

Key features:

* **Stake mobility**: Stakes can automatically follow rollup upgrades
* **Voting delegation**: Validators can delegate voting power
* **Escape hatch**: `proposeWithLock()` for emergency proposals

See [GSE and Stake Mobility](/participate/governance/gse.md) for details.

## Related Topics

* [Governance Overview](/participate/governance.md) - How the governance system works
* [Proposal Lifecycle](/participate/governance/proposal-lifecycle.md) - Stages from signaling to execution
* [Network Upgrades](/participate/governance/upgrades.md) - How upgrades use these contracts