Executive Agreement Essay – Understanding Its Importance and Implications
Many significant events and decisions of the government, both at home and abroad, are made through executive agreements. These agreements are legally binding arrangements made between the governments of the United States and other countries, or between the U.S. government and foreign organizations.
An executive agreement does not require Senate approval, unlike treaties, which do. It is a convenient way for the president to negotiate and conclude agreements with other nations without the need for ratification by Congress.
The Importance of Executive Agreements
Executive agreements can cover many areas such as trade, defense, and foreign aid. They are essential in streamlining international relations by allowing the President to negotiate and conclude agreements expeditiously.
They also play a critical role in achieving U.S. foreign policy objectives. They are used to address emerging security challenges, negotiate international trade deals, and manage global crises.
For example, executive agreements played a crucial role in the United States joining the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015. The agreement was negotiated by President Obama and agreed upon by 194 countries, including the United States. While it was not ratified by the Senate, it was implemented by President Obama as an executive agreement. However, the United States withdrew from the agreement in 2017 under President Trump.
Implications of Executive Agreements
Executive agreements, by their nature, have the same legal force and effect as treaties. However, they do not receive the same level of congressional scrutiny and public debate as treaties do.
This has raised concerns about the use of executive agreements, particularly among those who believe they undermine the constitutional balance of power between the executive and legislative branches of government.
In addition, executive agreements are not permanent. They can be terminated by the President or by the other party with whom the agreement was made. This makes them less reliable than treaties, which are more difficult to terminate.
Conclusion
Executive agreements play a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and international relations. They are essential in responding to global crises and managing international trade. However, they have been criticized for their lack of transparency and accountability.
As a professional, it is important to understand the nuances of executive agreements and their implications when writing about them. By providing accurate and relevant information, writers can help readers gain a better understanding of the role of executive agreements in shaping U.S. foreign policy.