What are executive agreements?

Executive agreements are defined as international agreements made by the president that do not require Senate approval. This mechanism allows the president to engage with foreign nations and conduct diplomacy without the lengthy process associated with formal treaties, which must be ratified by a two-thirds majority in the Senate.

The flexibility provided by executive agreements enables the executive branch to respond more swiftly to international developments and establish cooperative arrangements, such as trade agreements or military alliances, that do not necessitate legislative approval. This authority stems from the president's power to negotiate and manage foreign relations as outlined in the Constitution.

In contrast to executive agreements, formal treaties involve a more rigorous legislative process, requiring Senate ratification, and state-level agreements focus on domestic issues, which are not directly related to the powers of the U.S. president in international relations.