ratification

Ratification is the formal process of giving official approval or confirmation to something, such as a treaty or amendment. It signifies the act of making something legally valid or binding. For example, Illinois was the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery. In international law, treaties often require ratification by governments before they become formally binding. This process ensures that agreements are officially accepted and can be enforced, upholding principles like pacta sunt servanda (agreements must be kept).123