Which word means formal approval of a treaty or agreement?

Which word means formal approval of a treaty or agreement?

• A. Approve
• B. Ratify
• C. Sign
• D. Confirm

Answer: (B)

Formal approval of a treaty or agreement is called ratification. After diplomats negotiate terms, a government body—such as a legislature—must ratify the treaty for it to become officially binding. Signing shows intent to agree, but it doesn’t make the treaty legally enforceable until ratified. Approve is a more general endorsement, and confirm means to verify or affirm something, not the specific step that makes a treaty binding. Ratification is the step that turns an agreement into law between countries.

Formal approval of a treaty or agreement is called ratification. After diplomats negotiate terms, a government body—such as a legislature—must ratify the treaty for it to become officially binding. Signing shows intent to agree, but it doesn’t make the treaty legally enforceable until ratified. Approve is a more general endorsement, and confirm means to verify or affirm something, not the specific step that makes a treaty binding. Ratification is the step that turns an agreement into law between countries.