Executive agreements refer to formal international agreements made by the president of the United States, or at times, by his emissary or delegate. These agreements, also referred to as executive orders, possess similar legal force as congressionally ratified treaties and are a means of facilitating diplomatic relations between the U.S. and other countries.
Executive agreements are a direct reflection of the U.S. constitutional framework`s separation of powers, which grants the president the power to enter into international agreements. However, the executive branch`s authority to make executive agreements is subject to congressional oversight, whereby congress can regulate the issuance of executive agreements through various means.
Executive agreements differ from treaties in multiple ways. A treaty requires a two-thirds vote by the Senate for ratification while an executive agreement does not require such approval. Additionally, treaties can only be negated or modified by an act of congress, whereas, executive agreements can be canceled by an ensuing president or via congressional action.
Executive agreements have been deployed to address critical issues such as climate change, geopolitical security, and trade. They have been used to establish trade partnerships, resolve disputes, and cooperate on security matters with other countries.
In conclusion, executive agreements are an essential aspect of U.S. foreign relations and have been utilized by presidents to advance the nation`s interests. Although they are not subject to congressional approval, they are still an integral part of the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. As such, they continue to play a vital role in shaping U.S. foreign policy.