ratification

Definition

The formal act of officially approving and giving legal force to a treaty, constitution, or agreement, because apparently just agreeing to something isn't enough in the political world. This bureaucratic seal of approval requires proper procedures, votes, and enough paperwork to deforest a small nation. It's the governmental equivalent of getting your parents to co-sign, except it involves sovereign nations and international law.

Example Usage

The climate treaty required ratification by at least 55 countries before taking effect, which gave plenty of time for everyone to argue about the footnotes.

Source: Legal and political terminology

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