The DOT Token
The DOT token serves three distinct purposes:
governance over the network, staking and bonding.
Governance
Polkadot token holders have complete control over the protocol. All privileges, which on other platforms are exclusive to miners, will be given to the Relay Chain participants (DOT holders), including managing exceptional events such as protocol upgrades and fixes.
Staking
Token holders keep the network secure and collect rewards by staking DOT. Polkadot’s advanced staking system is designed for maximum decentralization and fair representation, rewarding good actors and punishing bad actors to ensure network security.
Bonding
New parachains are added by bonding tokens. Outdated or non-useful parachains are removed by removing bonded tokens. This is a form of proof of stake.