What is a written agreement between two or more states called?

• A. Interstate compact
• B. Treaty
• C. Memorandum of understanding
• D. Charter

Answer: (A)

Interstate compact is the written agreement that binds two or more states together. It’s a formal, binding instrument created through negotiation and consent, and in the U.S. context typically requires approval by the states involved and, in some cases, Congress under the Compact Clause. This makes it distinctly appropriate for arrangements among states that don’t involve another country.

This differs from a treaty, which is an agreement between sovereign nations and usually requires national-level ratification. A memorandum of understanding is generally more informal and can be non-binding, used for cooperation without the same legal obligations. A charter is a founding document that grants authority or rights to a city, organization, or corporation, not an agreement among states.