American Government - 1/14/26

Article Two of the U.S. Constitution

The section of the Constitution that governs the presidency and grants the authority to negotiate and sign treaties.

Ratification Voting Requirement

A treaty requires a $\frac{2}{3}$ majority vote in the U.S. Senate to be ratified and become binding under American law.

National Supremacy Clause

Contained in Article Six, it declares that ratified treaties become part of the supreme law of the land, making violations both illegal and unconstitutional.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to invalidate laws and executive actions; it has been used to strike down over $1,300$ state laws and $160$ federal laws.

Treaty of Alliance ($1778$)

The first U.S. military alliance, signed with France after the victory at Saratoga, which was essential for achieving independence.

NATO Article Five

The mutual defense clause stating that an attack on one ally is interpreted as an attack on all NATO members.

Invocation of Article Five

Historically invoked only once, following the September $11$ attacks, leading to the deployment of all NATO allies to Afghanistan.

U.S. LNG Exportation

The U.S. is the leading producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas, significantly reducing European dependency on Russian energy.

Article Two of the U.S. Constitution

Governs the presidency and grants the president the authority to negotiate and sign treaties.

Treaty Ratification Requirement

To be binding under American law, a treaty requires a $\frac{2}{3}$ majority vote for ratification in the U.S. Senate.

Article Six (National Supremacy Clause)

States that ratified treaties become part of the supreme law of the land and cannot be reversed by simple legislation or executive orders.

Oaths of Allegiance

Mandatory swear-ins to the U.S. Constitution required for the President, Vice President, all federal officials, members of Congress, military personnel, and state officials.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) to invalidate laws or executive actions that conflict with the Constitution; it has been used to strike down over $1,300$ state laws and $160$ federal laws.

First U.S. Military Alliance ($1778$)

The Treaty of Alliance with France, which was vital for achieving independence but was later canceled by George Washington to avoid foreign entanglements.

NATO Article Five

Defines mutual defense, stating an attack on one NATO ally is an attack on all; it was ratified with more than a $\frac{4}{5}$ Senate vote.

Invocation of NATO Article Five

Invoked only once following the September $11$ attacks, leading to the deployment of all NATO allies to Afghanistan.

U.S. LNG Production

The U.S. is the leading producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), drastically diminishing European dependency on Russian gas.