A government-defined executive agreement refers to a legally binding agreement between the executive branch of the government of the United States and a foreign government. This type of agreement does not require the approval of the Senate, unlike treaties. Instead, it is concluded by the President or other executive officials with the authority to do so.

Executive agreements can cover a wide range of issues, including trade, military cooperation, immigration, and security. They are often used to bypass the lengthy process of treaty negotiation and ratification, which can take years to complete.

One of the most significant advantages of executive agreements is that they can be concluded more quickly than treaties. This is because they do not need to go through the Senate approval process, which can be time-consuming and politically contentious. As a result, executive agreements can be used to respond to urgent situations that require immediate action.

However, the use of executive agreements has been a topic of debate in recent years, with some arguing that they bypass the constitutional requirement for treaty ratification by the Senate. Critics have accused Presidents of using executive agreements to circumvent the democratic process and bypass Congressional oversight.

Despite these concerns, executive agreements remain a vital tool for the executive branch of the government in conducting foreign policy. They allow the government to negotiate and conclude agreements quickly and efficiently, without the need for lengthy treaty negotiations and the approval process.

In conclusion, a government-defined executive agreement refers to a legally binding agreement between the executive branch of the government of the United States and a foreign government. While the use of executive agreements has been a topic of debate, they remain a vital tool for the executive branch in conducting foreign policy efficiently.