1. Synonyms for Approbates include sanctions, authorises, authorizes, approves, ratifies, warrants, confirms, accredits, endorses and formalises

2. 1789 – North Carolina ratifies the United States Constitution and is admitted as the 12th U.S. state.

3. The Covenant is designed to guarantee civil and political rights to persons within each country that ratifies it.

4. It's not just that Islamic extremists have succeeded in defeating the Pakistani army's attempts to retake control of the region; it's that government and military leaders are arguing that their best option lies in acquiescence to a cease-fire that ratifies the imposition of sharia law.