What distinguishes a treaty from an executive agreement?

A treaty is distinguished from an executive agreement primarily by the requirement for Senate approval. The U.S. Constitution states that treaties must be ratified by a two-thirds majority in the Senate, reflecting the framers' intention to ensure that significant international agreements receive broad support from the legislative branch. This mechanism acts as a check on the executive's powers, requiring collaboration between the two branches of government to finalize formal agreements with other nations.

In contrast, executive agreements do not require Senate approval and can be entered into solely by the President, often used for less formal arrangements or day-to-day diplomatic relations. This difference underscores the varying levels of commitment and formality between the two types of international agreements.