General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I'd love to see the TREASON!!!! crowd clarify why this isn't worse [View all]onenote
(46,188 posts)The Constitution does not use the term "ratification" with respect to treaties. Rather it speaks in terms of advice and consent: Article II, Section 2 -- [The President] shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur;
The Senate website describes the "ratification' process, stating that "The Senate does not ratify treatiesthe Senate approves or rejects a resolution of ratification. If the resolution passes, then ratification takes place when the instruments of ratification are formally exchanged between the United States and the foreign power(s)."
While it would be unusual to the say the least, a President could, after negotiating a treaty and having received 2/3 approval from the Senate, decide not to move forward to the final step of ratification.
http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/Treaties.htm