What role does the executive agreement have in relation to treaties?

The chosen answer highlights the nature of executive agreements and their legal standing in comparison to treaties. An executive agreement is a type of international agreement made by the President of the United States without the need for Senate approval, which distinguishes it from treaties that must receive a two-thirds majority in the Senate to be ratified.

This ability to enter into executive agreements allows the President to act swiftly in foreign affairs and to negotiate with other nations without the lengthy legislative process required for treaties. Thus, while executive agreements and treaties have similar legal effects and can bind the United States, the critical difference lies in the approval process. Executive agreements circumvent the necessity of Senate ratification, providing the President greater flexibility in foreign policy.

Other options present incorrect stipulations related to the process or hierarchy of agreements. For example, executive agreements do not require Senate approval as treaties do, and they do not have the power to override treaties; rather, they exist alongside treaties under U.S. law. Additionally, the involvement of the House of Representatives in ratifying executive agreements is not part of the Constitution or established practice.