How are treaties similar to contracts?
Both are means of willing parties assuming obligations among themselves, and a party to either that fails to live up to their obligations can be held liable under international law.
How do treaties normally begin, organizationally?
A preamble
What purpose does it serve?
It describes the contracting parties and their joint objectives in executing the treaty, and summarizes any underlying events (such as a war).
Can they be only one sentence?
Yes
Is the sentence long or short?
Usually long.
How is it organized, since it can be so long?
Multiple paragraphs, beginning with verbs.
Is a treaty always a literal written document?
No
What else can it symbolize?
An informal agreement, protocol, covenant, convention, pact, or exchange of letters.
What are some other synonyms for treaty?
An international agreement, protocol, covenant, convention, pact, or exchange of letters, among other terms.
Is this list all-encompassing?
No
Are some of these terms more valued than others?
No
Does a treaty hold up in a country other than the one in which it was written?
Sometimes, yes.