interstate compact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "interstate compact" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an agreement between two or more states in the United States, often regarding shared resources or regulatory matters. Example: "The states entered into an interstate compact to manage the water resources of the river that flows between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

interstate compact.

The New Yorker

Start with this: An interstate compact is an odd idea.

The New Yorker

MWAA was created in 1987 by an interstate compact.

The Washington Post

Professor Evans is right that an interstate compact raises thorny legal issues.

The New York Times

The interstate compact that serves as Metro's founding charter required and received the federal government's consent.

The Washington Post

Such transfers are governed by the little-known Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

"Just set it up in [an interstate] compact," he told me.

Los Angeles Times

The authority was created by an interstate compact, a special type of contract or agreement between one or more states.

Wikipedia

I urge you to write to representatives and media outlets to get the discussion and debate in focus, particularly the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.

HuffPost

Enter the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.

The New York Times

This past Friday, Colorado became the 12th state to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or political contexts involving agreements between states, use the term "interstate compact" to maintain precision and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "interstate compact" when referring to agreements between nations. "Interstate compacts" are specific to agreements between states within the United States; international treaties involve agreements between countries.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "interstate compact" is as a noun phrase that identifies a specific type of agreement between states. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is both correct and commonly used. The phrase serves as a subject or object within a sentence, referring to the agreement itself.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

16%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "interstate compact" refers to an agreement between two or more states in the United States. It is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, and legal documents, as Ludwig confirms. This noun phrase denotes a specific type of legal and political agreement, with a formal to neutral register. Common alternative ways to say this are "state compact" or "agreement between states". To use the term correctly, remember that "interstate compacts" are distinct from international treaties and require careful consideration of legal and policy implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state compact

Omits the adjective "interstate" implying the agreement is still between states.

compact among states

A more succinct version, retaining the formal term "compact".

agreement between states

Replaces the legal term "compact" with a more general word "agreement".

multi-state agreement

Emphasizes the involvement of multiple states in the agreement.

state-to-state agreement

Highlights the direct nature of the agreement between individual states.

regional agreement

Focuses on the geographical aspect of the agreement involving states within a specific region.

intergovernmental agreement

Uses a broader term referring to agreements between governmental entities.

cooperative agreement between states

Highlights the cooperative nature of the agreement.

joint state agreement

Stresses the joint effort and collaboration among the states.

mutual agreement among states

Emphasizes the mutual benefits and understanding in the agreement.

FAQs

What is the purpose of an "interstate compact"?

An "interstate compact" is an agreement between two or more states in the United States, typically created to address shared problems or concerns that cross state lines, such as environmental management, transportation, or law enforcement.

How is an "interstate compact" different from a federal law?

An "interstate compact" is an agreement among states, whereas a federal law is enacted by the U.S. Congress and applies nationwide. States must agree to participate in an "interstate compact", while federal laws are binding on all states.

Do "interstate compacts" require congressional approval?

Yes, under the Compact Clause of the U.S. Constitution, "interstate compacts" generally require the consent of Congress to be valid, although some minor agreements may not need explicit approval.

What are some examples of agreements similar to an "interstate compact"?

Alternatives include a simple "agreement between states", a "regional agreement" if it's geographically focused, or a "multi-state agreement" if you want to highlight the number of states involved.