Questions and Answers
What is an executive agreement?
An agreement between the President and a foreign nation on matters that don't require a formal treaty.
Describe how the frequency of executive agreements has changed over time.
Their use has increased over time, with early use by Monroe and significant increases during Theodore Roosevelt and later presidents.
What are executive agreements usually used for?
They are usually used for basing American troops, resolving complaints against troops, regulating international trade, and regulating anti-terrorism policies.
Give examples of where the use of executive agreements was controversial.
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Study Notes
Executive Agreements Overview
- An executive agreement is a pact between the President of the United States and a foreign government, not requiring formal Senate ratification like treaties do.
Historical Changes in Frequency
- First executive agreement was made by President James Monroe in 1817.
- Use of executive agreements remained limited until President Theodore Roosevelt's tenure, when usage began to rise.
- Under Franklin D. Roosevelt, the frequency of executive agreements significantly increased.
- Recent presidents have averaged about 200 executive agreements annually, with Carter, Reagan, and George W. Bush exceeding 300 agreements per year.
Common Applications of Executive Agreements
- Often employed for military purposes, including the basing of American troops in foreign countries.
- Used to address issues related to American troops stationed abroad.
- Serve to govern international trade agreements.
- Implement strategies regarding anti-terrorism measures.
Controversial Instances
- President Bill Clinton's 1994 executive agreement with North Korea drew sharp criticism from Senator John McCain.
- Clinton also used an executive agreement to sign the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994, which was also met with controversy.
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Description
Explore the concept of executive agreements, which are pacts made between the President of the United States and foreign governments. Discover the historical evolution of these agreements, their applications, and how their frequency has changed over the years. This quiz will enhance your understanding of this important aspect of U.S. foreign policy.
