Ratification

Ratification is the process of adopting an international treaty, or a constitution or other nationally binding document (such as an amendment to a constitution) by the agreement of multiple subnational entities. The process of ratifying a constitution is most commonly observed in federations such as the United States or confederations such as the European Union.

Related Topics:
Treaty - Constitution - Federation - United States - Confederation - European Union

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Different organizations have different rules for how a constitutional change is ratified. Federations usually require the support of both the federal government and a certain percentage of the subsidiary entities. Some ratification processes also require a supermajority within legislatures.

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The ratification of international treaties follows the same rules as the passing of laws in most democracies. An important exception is the United States, where treaty ratification requires a two-thirds majority in the U.S. Senate (and the United States House of Representatives does not vote on it at all). This makes it considerably more difficult in the US than in other democracies to rally enough political support for international treaties.

Related Topics:
Two-thirds majority - U.S. Senate - United States House of Representatives

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