Treaty ratification under U.S. law requires the Senate to give its advice and consent with a two-thirds majority vote (67 senators out of 100) before the president can formally ratify an international treaty. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee typically reviews treaties first. Once ratified, formal treaties carry stronger legal force than executive agreements. The Constitution sets this requirement in Article II, Section 2.
Senate ratification creates a supermajority threshold that prevents fleeting political majorities from making or breaking international commitments. The two-thirds requirement means both major parties must agree for a treaty to bind the nation, creating durable alliances and agreements.
People often think the president can make any international commitment without Senate input. Actually, formal treaties require Senate approval with a two-thirds majority. This slows the process but ensures major agreements have broad buy-in beyond any single administration.
Senate ratification creates a supermajority threshold that prevents fleeting political majorities from making or breaking international commitments. The two-thirds requirement means both major parties must agree for a treaty to bind the nation, creating durable alliances and agreements.
People often think the president can make any international commitment without Senate input. Actually, formal treaties require Senate approval with a two-thirds majority. This slows the process but ensures major agreements have broad buy-in beyond any single administration.