> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/higher-learning/bsv-academy/bsv-infrastructure/rules-and-their-enforcement/consensus-rules.md). # Consensus Rules The consensus rules are codified into the BSV node client software system and represent fixed and unchangeable rules applied across the network. These rules must be strictly adhered to in order for a node using the client to actively participate in the network governance process. The immutable rules are a set of rules that define the format and constraints that transactions and blocks must follow. Making any changes to these rules could cause nodes to disagree on the nature of BSV. All agreements are enforced through application of proof of work by nodes in a process known as Nakamoto Consensus. Since 2009, aspects of the protocol have been either changed or removed. The BSV philosophy is that where aspects of these rules have been changed in the past they should be returned to be as close to the original rules as possible and then “set in stone”. In some cases this has resulted in divergence with the original protocol including minor changes to the scripting language. The only further changes needed are the return to the original difficulty readjustment algorithm and re-enablement of the last remaining script opcodes plus some spare opcodes if the need ever arises to allow changes to protect the security of the network. This could be things such as the addition of a new hash function or a more secure digital signature algorithm. This section details the role of nodes in the network and also how nodes resolve any conflicts in agreement on the state of the blockchain. Nodes vote to enforce the rules used to build the blocks that make up the BSV public ledger and define an honest node as a node that seeks out the longest valid chain of blocks and applies proof of work to extend that chain. Read more about Nakamoto Consensus here: The following lessons will explore the consensus ruleset in detail. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/higher-learning/bsv-academy/bsv-infrastructure/rules-and-their-enforcement/consensus-rules.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.