Ratifications

Ratifications refer to the formal acceptance or approval by a competent authority of a proposed treaty, amendment, or contract, after negotiation and signature. The act of ratifying signals consent to be bound by the instrument and completes the process of making it legally effective for the ratifying entity. Ratification is typically distinct from mere signature, which may indicate intent but not necessarily binding force until ratification occurs. In international law, states ratify treaties by instrumental acts, often called instruments of ratification, which are exchanged with other parties. Some treaties enter into force upon a specified number of ratifications or after provisional application pending full ratification. Domestic procedures vary; some states require legislative approval, others require executive action, and some require both.

In constitutional or domestic law, ratification governs changes to a constitution or fundamental legal framework. Constitutional amendments may be proposed by legislators, a constituent assembly, or a constitutional convention and must be ratified according to a predefined method, often by a supermajority in the legislature or a popular referendum. For example, in the United States, proposed amendments must be approved by two-thirds of both houses of Congress and ratified by three-fourths of the states. In other systems, ratification may occur through a national referendum or by state or regional legislatures.

Ratifications can also occur for contracts, agreements, or organizational acts, in which case the process establishes binding obligations under applicable law. The failure to ratify leaves the instrument non-binding or opens room for renegotiation or withdrawal according to its terms.