Ratified

Definition

Ratified means that an agreement, treaty, or amendment has been formally approved and accepted by the relevant authorities, making it legally binding. In the context of government, ratification is crucial as it signifies the endorsement of laws and constitutional amendments, often involving multiple levels of legislative approval and sometimes requiring public consent.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the U.S., the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress to propose an amendment, followed by ratification from three-fourths of state legislatures or conventions.
2. The process of ratification ensures that a wide consensus is achieved before significant changes are made to laws or the Constitution.
3. Notable examples of ratified amendments include the Bill of Rights, which consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution ratified in 1791.
4. Some treaties require a two-thirds majority in the Senate for ratification, which emphasizes the role of Congress in foreign relations.
5. The ratification process can sometimes lead to public debates and political movements, especially when it involves contentious issues like civil rights or social reforms.

Review Questions

• How does the ratification process of constitutional amendments reflect the principles of federalism?
  • The ratification process involves both federal and state levels of government, reflecting federalism by requiring consensus across different jurisdictions. Specifically, an amendment must be proposed by a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress and then ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or conventions. This dual approval ensures that both national and state interests are considered, promoting a balanced approach to governance and safeguarding against hasty changes to fundamental law.
• Discuss the implications of requiring a supermajority for treaty ratification in the Senate on U.S. foreign policy.
  • Requiring a supermajority in the Senate for treaty ratification means that significant bipartisan support is necessary for any international agreements. This requirement can lead to more thorough deliberation and negotiation, ensuring that treaties have broader political support and are reflective of national interests. However, it can also result in gridlock if partisan divisions are strong, hindering timely responses to international issues and complicating the execution of U.S. foreign policy.
• Evaluate how social movements have influenced the ratification process of amendments throughout U.S. history.
  • Social movements have played a crucial role in shaping the ratification process by raising awareness and mobilizing public support for various amendments. For instance, movements advocating for women's suffrage significantly impacted the ratification of the 19th Amendment, while civil rights movements influenced the eventual passage of amendments addressing voting rights and equality. These movements often create pressure on legislatures and state conventions to act, demonstrating how grassroots activism can transform political landscapes and facilitate constitutional changes.

Related terms

Constitution:

The foundational document that outlines the structure, functions, and limits of government, which requires ratification by the states to become effective.

Amendment:

A formal change or addition proposed to a legal document, such as the Constitution, which must be ratified to take effect.

Legislation:

Laws enacted by a governing body that often require ratification or approval before they can be implemented.