What does it mean to 'ratify' in the context of the Constitution?

In the context of the Constitution, to 'ratify' means to approve the Constitution or legislation formally. This process is crucial because it signifies the endorsement of the proposed document or law by the necessary governing body, which, for the Constitution, involved state conventions and the Congress. Ratification is what ultimately transforms a proposed amendment or law into an official and binding part of legal governance.

The significance of ratification lies in the collective agreement it reflects among both state and federal entities, ensuring that the Constitution or legislation has the consent required to be implemented. Each state had to agree to the final document for it to go into effect, demonstrating the importance of state-level approval in the federal system established by the Constitution. This step was pivotal in establishing legitimacy and support for the new government framework created by the Constitution.