Executive agreements are becoming increasingly common in today`s business world. They are formal agreements between two or more parties, often used in the context of international trade or foreign policy. These agreements are different from treaties, which require a two-thirds majority approval from the Senate. In contrast, executive agreements only require the approval of the president. In this article, we`ll explore the creation of executive agreements and why they are important.
Firstly, it`s important to understand how executive agreements are created. They are established when the President uses the power of his office to negotiate and conclude an agreement with another foreign government, international organization, or even a state or local government. Once an agreement is reached, it becomes binding on the parties involved. However, executive agreements are not considered laws but rather fall under the authority of foreign policy.
The use of executive agreements has become increasingly popular because they offer a quicker and more efficient way for the United States to engage in international agreements. Executive agreements can be used for a wide variety of topics, including trade, security, and environmental issues. Additionally, they may also be used to bypass congressional approval, allowing the president to move quickly to address urgent issues.
One example of an executive agreement is the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which was signed in 1994 by President Bill Clinton. NAFTA eliminated trade barriers between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and helped to promote economic growth and job creation in the three countries.
Another example is the Paris Climate Agreement, which was signed in 2015 by President Barack Obama. The agreement committed the United States and 194 other countries to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to combat climate change. However, this agreement was later cancelled by President Donald Trump in 2017.
It`s important to note that while executive agreements can be used to address important issues, they can also be controversial. Some argue that executive agreements undermine the constitutional system of checks and balances by allowing the president to bypass Congress. Others argue that they are necessary to address urgent issues and that the president has the authority to act quickly on matters of foreign policy.
In conclusion, executive agreements play a significant role in the development of foreign policy. They offer a more efficient way for the United States to engage in international agreements, allowing the president to move quickly to address urgent issues. However, there is no doubt that these agreements can be controversial at times, and it`s important for all parties involved to carefully consider their implications before entering into them.