ratifies

Ratifies is the third-person singular present tense of the verb ratify. To ratify something is to give formal consent or approval, thereby making it officially valid. The term is widely used in law and government to refer to the process by which a treaty, constitutional amendment, or other agreement is formally approved and becomes enforceable.

In international law, ratification is typically the step after negotiation and signing. A state may sign a treaty to show consent, but it may not be bound until its executive or legislature ratifies it, sometimes by a vote or by depositing a formal instrument of ratification with the treaty's depositary.

Ratification can involve reservations or understandings; a state may ratify with conditions. Some legal systems distinguish between ratification as the final binding act and adoption or assent in others. Accession is a related concept when a state joins an agreement after signature and negotiation have ended.

Examples of its use include the widespread ratification of international agreements such as climate or trade accords, which allows those instruments to take legal effect for the ratifying states. In federal or dualist systems, ratification may require approval by a legislature and, in some contexts, consent from subnational authorities as well.

See also: ratification, ratified, ratify.