> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cvnnt.gitbook.io/documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cvnnt.gitbook.io/documentation/system-architecture/governance/system-nodes/master-nodes.md).

# Master nodes

Master node is a node that participates in Covenant system governance.

All Covenant governance processes are open, transparent, distributed and automated. Everyone can freely launch a master node and participate in Covenant system governance, if meets certain and transparent requirements.

A node that has sufficient p2p node reputation rate, provides sufficient amount of stake and meets certain node performance criteria, can participate in governance-related activity.

### Master node roles

There are two master node roles:

* Validator node: validates Covenant blockchain operations by participating in consensus.
* Collator node: validates one of Covenant cross-chain integration's activity.