Ratification Process

Definition

The ratification process is the method by which an agreement, treaty, or constitution is officially recognized and approved by a governing body. In the context of U.S. history, it often refers to the approval of the U.S. Constitution by state conventions.

Related terms

Constitutional Convention: This was a meeting held in 1787 where delegates from twelve states wrote the U.S. Constitution, which then had to be ratified.

Articles of Confederation: This was America's first constitution that was eventually replaced because it gave too much power to individual states and not enough to the federal government.

Bill of Rights: These are the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that were added during the ratification process as a compromise with Antifederalists who wanted more protections for individual rights.