Why a President Might Make an Executive Agreement Rather than Negotiate a Formal Treaty

As the leader of a country, a president has several options when it comes to making international agreements. One of those options is to make an executive agreement rather than negotiate a formal treaty. An executive agreement is a legally binding agreement between two or more countries that is made by the executive branch of the government without the need for congressional approval. There are several reasons why a president might choose to make an executive agreement rather than negotiate a formal treaty.

Firstly, making an executive agreement is easier and faster than negotiating a formal treaty. Formal treaties require approval from two-thirds of the Senate, which means that they can be difficult to get passed. This can be problematic when the president needs to make an agreement quickly, such as in cases of national security or emergency situations. In such cases, the president can use executive agreements to quickly reach an agreement with another country without having to go through the lengthy treaty negotiation process.

Secondly, executive agreements can be more flexible than formal treaties. Formal treaties can be difficult to amend or terminate once they have been approved by the Senate. However, executive agreements can be easily amended or terminated by the president without the need for congressional approval. This means that the president can use executive agreements to make changes to an agreement or to terminate an agreement if it is no longer in the best interest of the country.

Thirdly, making an executive agreement can be used as a tool for diplomacy and as a way to build relationships with other countries. Unlike formal treaties, which require the approval of two-thirds of the Senate, executive agreements can be made quickly and easily. This can be beneficial when the president wants to show good faith and build trust with another country. Additionally, executive agreements can be used to address smaller issues that do not require a formal treaty, such as trade or cultural agreements.

In conclusion, making an executive agreement can be a beneficial option for a president when it comes to making international agreements. It is a faster and more flexible option than negotiating a formal treaty and can be used as a tool for diplomacy and relationship building. While executive agreements are not always appropriate for every situation, they can be a useful tool for presidents to make agreements quickly and effectively.