Who has the power to approve treaties?

The power to approve treaties is vested in the Senate, as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. Specifically, Article II, Section 2 states that the President can make treaties, but these must be ratified by a two-thirds majority of the Senate to become legally binding. This process ensures that treaties are subjected to careful scrutiny and a higher level of consensus among lawmakers, reflecting the importance of international agreements in U.S. foreign policy.

The Senate's role in treaty approval is a key aspect of the checks and balances inherent in the U.S. governmental system, empowering the legislative branch to play a significant role in shaping foreign policy alongside the executive branch. This division of responsibilities is fundamental to safeguard against unilateral decisions that might not align with the interests of the country as a whole.