Final answer:
Executive agreements are formal agreements negotiated by the President of the United States with foreign governments. They do not require ratification by the Senate, making them more efficient for conducting foreign policy. The framers of the Constitution did not specifically envision executive agreements, but they have become an important tool in U.S. international relations.
Step-by-step explanation:
An executive agreement is a formal agreement negotiated between the President of the United States and a foreign government. Unlike treaties, executive agreements do not require ratification by the Senate, making them less time-consuming and more flexible for the President to enter into.
However, executive agreements must still adhere to existing domestic law and can be challenged in court if they conflict with it.
Regarding the intent of the framers of the Constitution, it is important to note that the Constitution does not specifically mention executive agreements. The framers outlined the process for treaties in Article II, but executive agreements have emerged as a practical tool for conducting foreign policy in the modern era.
While some argue that executive agreements go beyond the framers' intent, it can also be argued that the framers' focus was on ensuring the separation of powers and checks and balances, rather than prescribing specific mechanisms for international agreements.