What is a treaty?

A treaty is defined as a formal and legally binding agreement made between the United States and other sovereign nations. Treaties are negotiated by the executive branch of the government, primarily the President, and must be ratified by a two-thirds majority in the Senate. They serve as a means to regulate international relations, addressing various aspects such as trade, defense, and diplomatic relations.

The context of treaties distinguishes them from other forms of agreements or laws. For instance, agreements between federal and state governments are typically referred to as compacts or agreements but do not carry the same international implications as treaties. Local laws enacted by a city council pertain to municipal governance and have no bearing on international relations. Similarly, written laws established by administrative agencies are part of the regulatory framework within the domestic legal system, focusing on specific industry or functional areas rather than establishing relations between countries. Thus, the key characteristic of a treaty is its role in formalizing agreements that govern interactions between nations, making the choice that describes this definition appropriate.