Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Prep Guide for Exam Success!

The responsibility for negotiating treaties and international agreements in the United States primarily lies with the Executive Branch. This branch, led by the President, includes the Secretary of State and other officials who play crucial roles in diplomacy and international relations. The President, as the chief diplomat, has the authority to engage in negotiations and sign treaties with foreign nations.

Once a treaty is negotiated and signed by the President, it then requires ratification by the Senate, which conducts its own review and approval process. This relationship highlights the collaborative nature of treaty-making, with the Executive Branch handling the negotiation phase and the Senate providing its consent. The House of Representatives does not play a direct role in this process regarding treaties, and the Judiciary's function is separate, primarily involving the interpretation of laws and treaties after they have been ratified. Thus, the identification of the Executive Branch as the negotiator is accurate and reflects the structure and separation of powers in the U.S. government.