Who has the power to make treaties in the United States?

Prepare for the US and Arizona Constitution Teacher Test with comprehensive quizzes featuring multiple choice questions. Enhance your knowledge of constitutional concepts to ensure success in your certification process.

In the United States, the power to make treaties resides primarily with the President, who negotiates and engages in discussions with foreign nations. However, this presidential authority is balanced by the necessity for Senate approval. Specifically, the U.S. Constitution grants the President the ability to enter into treaties, but such treaties must be ratified by a two-thirds majority in the Senate to become legally binding. This requirement ensures a check on the President’s power and involves the legislative branch in significant international agreements, reflecting the system of checks and balances that is a foundation of the U.S. government.

The other options do not accurately depict the treaty-making power. The House of Representatives does not play a direct role in treaty ratification, as this responsibility lies solely with the Senate. Similarly, the Senate cannot unilaterally make treaties; its role is to review and approve those negotiated by the President. The Supreme Court, while it interprets treaties and can rule on issues related to them, does not have the authority to create or approve treaties itself.

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