The idea behind the ratio and the root tests is to compare the series $\sum \lvert a_n\rvert$ to a geometric series $\sum r^n$, which we know converges if $\lvert r\rvert<1$ and diverges if $\lvert r\rvert\ge 1$. This gives us information about whether the series $\sum a_n$ converges absolutely.
The ratio test involves looking at $$\displaystyle{\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{|a_{n+1}|}{|a_n|}}$$ to see how a series behaves in the long run. Notice that, in particular, if $a_n = r^n$, then $\displaystyle\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right| = r$.
The Ratio Test: Suppose that $$\displaystyle{\lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{|a_{n+1}|}{|a_n|}} = R.$$
If $R < 1$, then $\sum a_n$ converges absolutely.
If $R > 1$, then $\sum a_n$ diverges.
If $R=1$ or if $R$ does not exist, then we can't tell. There are examples that converge absolutely, examples that converge conditionally, and examples that diverge.
Roughly speaking, $\sum a_n$ behaves, in the long run, like $\sum R^n$, except in the borderline case of $R=1$, where it might converge.