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Summary
The chapter discusses the formation and functions of the United Nations (UN), established after World War II to prevent further conflicts and promote global peace. The devastation caused by the two World Wars and the failure of the League of Nations highlighted the need for a more effective international body. As a result, the UN was formed on October 24, 1945, with the signing of the UN Charter by 50 countries, including the five permanent members of the Security Council: the USA, the USSR (now Russia), China, France, and the United Kingdom.
The UN’s primary objectives include maintaining international peace and security, fostering friendly relations among nations, promoting social progress, and ensuring human rights. The UN Charter outlines these goals, emphasizing cooperation and peaceful conflict resolution.
The chapter explains the structure of the UN, which consists of six main organs: the General Assembly, the Security Council, the International Court of Justice, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, and the Secretariat. The General Assembly, composed of all member states, serves as the main deliberative body, while the Security Council, with its five permanent members, holds the primary responsibility for maintaining global peace and security. The Security Council’s decisions, particularly those involving military action, require the agreement of all five permanent members, each of whom has veto power.
The International Court of Justice, located in The Hague, serves as the UN’s judicial organ, resolving legal disputes between nations and offering advisory opinions on international legal issues. Other organs, like the Economic and Social Council and the Trusteeship Council, focus on global economic and social issues, while the Secretariat handles the UN’s administrative tasks.
The chapter highlights India’s role as an original member of the UN and its active participation in peacekeeping missions. The UN remains a crucial platform for international dialogue and cooperation, aiming to prevent conflict and improve the quality of life worldwide.
Video tutorial
Textbook (Total History) solutions
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Which of the following was NOT a reason for the establishment of the United Nations?
A. Disastrous World Wars
B. Division of the World into Three Blocs
C. Stockpiling of Destructive weapons
D. Fear of the Third World War
Answer: B. Division of the World into Three Blocs
2. Which of the following was NOT a purpose of the United Nations?
A. To develop friendly relations among nations
B. To achieve national cooperation in solving problems
C. To maintain international peace and security
D. To be a centre for harmonising the actions of nations
Answer: B. To achieve national cooperation in solving problems
3. Which of the following is NOT part of the new objectives set by the UN?
A. Disarmament
B. Decolonisation
C. Disintegration
D. Development
Answer: C. Disintegration
4. Which of the following is NOT a principle of the United Nations?
A. To respect the sovereign equality of all its members
B. All members should settle their international disputes by peaceful means
C. The UN shall intervene in the domestic (internal) affairs of the state
D. None of the above
Answer: C. The UN shall intervene in the domestic (internal) affairs of the state
5. Which is the last country to be admitted in the UN?
A. South Sudan
B. France
C. Russia
D. USA
Answer: A. South Sudan
6. How many Principal organs are there in the UN?
A. Four
B. Six
C. Eight
D. Ten
Answer: B. Six
7. Which Principal organ is the executive body of the UN?
A. The General Assembly
B. The Trusteeship Council
C. The International Court of Justice
D. The Security Council
Answer: D. The Security Council
8. Which of the following describes the flag of the UN?
A. The star-spangled banner
B. The Indian tricolour
C. Light blue with the UN emblem in white
D. Collage of flags of all member states
Answer: C. Light blue with the UN emblem in white
Select the correct relationship
1. (A) The United Nations Organisation (UNO) was established on October 24, 1945.
(B) The bitter experience of two World Wars within a span of 25 years made the world leaders realise the need for having an organisation to maintain peace in the world.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation: The United Nations was established in 1945, largely in response to the devastation and loss caused by the two World Wars. The global community recognized the urgent need for a body that could help prevent such conflicts in the future, and the horrors of the World Wars were the driving force behind the creation of the UNO. Hence, statement B provides the reasoning for the establishment of the UNO mentioned in statement A.
2. (A) The League of Nations and the United Nations were established to prevent wars and to maintain peace in the world.
(B) Both the League of Nations and the United Nations were formed after the First World War.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other
Answer: (c) (A) is true but (B) is false
Explanation: While both the League of Nations and the United Nations were indeed established with the purpose of preventing wars and maintaining peace, the timeline in statement B is incorrect. The League of Nations was formed after the First World War, but the United Nations was established after the Second World War, not the First. Therefore, statement A is true, but statement B is false.
3. (A) Disarm, decolonise and develop are the three objectives of the UN.
(B) The Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other
Answer: (d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Explanation: The statement A refers to the broader objectives of the United Nations, which include disarmament, decolonization, and development. Statement B, on the other hand, highlights the specific role of the Security Council in maintaining international peace and security. While both statements describe aspects of the UN, they do not directly relate to one another; thus, they are independent of each other.
4. (A) The United Nations has six official languages.
(B) All organs of the United Nations are based in New York, USA.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other
Answer: (c) (A) is true but (B) is false
Explanation: The United Nations indeed has six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish, making statement A true. However, not all organs of the United Nations are based in New York. The International Court of Justice, for example, is located in The Hague, Netherlands, which makes statement B false.
5. (A) The General Assembly is the main deliberative organ of the UN.
(B) The General Assembly elects the non-permanent members of the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council and the Trusteeship Council.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation: The General Assembly is considered the main deliberative organ of the United Nations because it is responsible for making important decisions on a wide range of issues, including the election of non-permanent members to various councils such as the Security Council, Economic and Social Council, and Trusteeship Council. Therefore, the role described in statement B is a significant part of why the General Assembly is the main deliberative organ, making B the reason for A.
6. (A) The Security Council’s five permanent members have the veto power.
(B) If any of the permanent members remain absent it does not amount to a negative veto or veto.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation: The veto power of the five permanent members of the Security Council is a crucial mechanism in UN decision-making. If a permanent member chooses to abstain or is absent during a vote, it does not count as a veto. This provision ensures that the veto is only effective when explicitly used. Therefore, statement B explains a condition related to the veto power mentioned in statement A, making B the reason for A.
Short Answer Questions
1. Why did world leaders decide to set up a world organisation to maintain peace?
Answer: The world leaders decided to set up a world organisation to maintain peace because of the disastrous World Wars, the failure of the League of Nations to prevent wars and maintain peace, the fear of a Third World War, the division of the world into two power blocs led by the US and the USSR, respectively, and the invention of weapons of mass destruction like the atom bomb.
2. When was the name “The United Nations” used for the first time? Where was the UN established?
Answer: The name “The United Nations” was used for the first time on October 24, 1945. The United Nations was established at San Francisco.
3. State the most important reason for the formation of the UN. Which day is celebrated as the UN Day every year?
Answer: The most important reason for the formation of the UN was the failure of the League of Nations to prevent wars and maintain peace. October 24 is celebrated as the UN Day every year.
4. Where are the headquarters of the UN? Who can become the member of the UN?
Answer: The headquarters of the UN are in New York, USA. Membership of the UN is open to all peace-loving nations who believe in the principles of the UN and accept the obligations of the UN Charter.
5. Who appoints the Secretary-General of the UN? Who is the present Secretary-General of the UN?
Answer: The Secretary-General of the UN is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. The present Secretary-General of the UN is António Guterres.
6. Name the principal organs of the United Nations.
Answer: The United Nations has six Principal organs:
- The General Assembly
- The Security Council
- The International Court of Justice
- The Economic and Social Council
- The Trusteeship Council
- The Secretariat.
7. What can the General Assembly do if the Security Council fails to act in a case where there appears to be a threat to peace?
Answer: Under the “Uniting for Peace” resolution adopted by the General Assembly in November 1950, the Assembly may take action if the Security Council, because of a lack of unanimity of its permanent members, fails to act in a case where there appears to be a threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression. The Assembly is empowered to consider the matter immediately with a view to making recommendations to members for collective measures, including the use of armed force.
8. Name the permanent members of the Security Council.
Answer: The permanent members of the Security Council are China, France, Russia, Britain, and the United States of America.
9. What is meant by Veto Power?
Answer: Each member of the Security Council has one vote. Decisions on procedural matters are made by an affirmative vote of nine members, including the concurring votes of all five permanent members. The negative vote of a permanent member is called a veto. The Council is powerless to act if any of the five permanent members uses the veto power. However, abstinence from voting does not amount to a negative vote or veto.
10. Where is the permanent headquarters of the International Court of Justice located? What is the importance of the International Court of Justice?
Answer: The permanent headquarters of the International Court of Justice is located at The Hague, Netherlands. The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It has a dual role: to settle, in accordance with international law, the legal disputes submitted to it by the States, and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by duly authorised international organs and agencies.
Structured Questions
1. The United Nations Organisation was established to maintain peace and promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. With reference to this, explain the following:
(a) The composition of the Security Council.
Answer: The Council consists of 15 members. It has five permanent members – China, France, Russia, Britain, and the United States of America. The regional representation of the ten non-permanent members is (i) Afro-Asian countries – 5; (ii) Latin American countries – 2; (iii) West European and other countries – 2; (iv) East European countries – 1. The ten non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly by a two-thirds majority for a term of two years. A retiring member is not eligible for immediate re-election. The Presidency of the Council rotates monthly, according to the English alphabetical listing of its member States.
(b) The functions of the Security Council related to maintaining world peace.
Answer: The functions and powers of the Security Council related to maintaining world peace are:
(i) To maintain international peace and security in accordance with the principles and purposes of the United Nations.
(ii) To investigate any dispute or situation which might lead to international friction and to recommend methods of adjusting such disputes or the terms of settlement.
(iii) To determine the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression and to recommend what action should be taken.
(iv) To call on members to apply economic sanctions and other measures not involving the use of force to prevent or stop aggression.
(v) To take military action against an aggressor.
(c) The role of UNESCO in the development of Science and Technology.
Answer: The role of UNESCO in the development of Science and Technology is to promote international collaboration in these fields through initiatives that support education, scientific research, and cultural exchanges. It aims to build peace through knowledge sharing and fostering scientific advances for sustainable development, ensuring that these benefits are accessible to all nations.
2. With reference to the functioning of the United Nations, briefly answer the following:
(a) State the objectives of the UN.
Answer: The objectives for which the United Nations was established are enshrined in the Preamble to the UN Charter. The purpose of the United Nations was defined in Article I of the Charter as:
- To maintain international peace and security; to take collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to peace, to suppress acts of aggression or other breaches of peace.
- To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of people.
- To achieve international cooperation in solving international economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian problems and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms.
- To be a centre for harmonising the actions of nations in the attainment of these common ends.
(b) Mention the principles of the UN for its members.
Answer: In order to fulfil the purposes for which UNO was established, the members shall act in accordance with the following principles:
- To respect the sovereign equality of all its members.
- All members should fulfil in good faith the obligations assumed by them.
- They should settle their international disputes by peaceful means.
- They would refrain from the threat or use of force against any State.
- They should give the United Nations every assistance in any action it takes.
- The Organisation should ensure that States which are not members of the United Nations act in accordance with these principles.
- The United Nations shall not intervene in the domestic, i.e., internal affairs of any State.
(c) State any four functions of the UN.
Answer: The functions of the United Nations include the following:
- To maintain international peace and security and to take collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to peace.
- To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of people.
- To achieve international cooperation in solving international economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian problems.
- To promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.
3. With reference to the General Assembly, explain the following:
(a) Composition of the General Assembly.
Answer: All members of the United Nations are members of the General Assembly. Each State has five representatives in the General Assembly, but each State has one vote. The regular session of the General Assembly begins each year on the third Tuesday in September and continues usually until the third week of December. At the start of each regular session, the Assembly elects a new President, 21 Vice-Presidents, and the Chairmen of the Assembly’s six Main Committees. To ensure equitable geographical representation, the presidency of the Assembly rotates each year among five groups of States: Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Caribbean, and Western Europe and other States. Special sessions are convened by the Secretary-General at the request of the Security Council or by a special request by a majority of members.
(b) Its role in the promotion of international cooperation.
Answer: The General Assembly plays a significant role in the promotion of international cooperation by discussing any question relating to international peace and security, except where a dispute or situation is currently being discussed by the Security Council, and making recommendations on it. It also initiates studies and makes recommendations to promote international political, social, and economic cooperation. Furthermore, the General Assembly receives and considers reports from the Security Council and other organs of the United Nations.
(c) Any four of its functions.
Answer: The functions of the General Assembly include:
- To consider and make recommendations on the principles of cooperation in the maintenance of international peace and security.
- To discuss any question relating to international peace and security and make recommendations on it.
- To discuss and make recommendations on any question within the scope of the Charter or affecting the powers and functions of any organ of the United Nations.
- To initiate studies and make recommendations to promote international political, social, and economic cooperation.
4. The Security Council is the most important and effective organ of the UN. In this context describe:
(a) Composition of the Security Council.
Answer: The Council consists of 15 members. It has five permanent members – China, France, Russia, Britain, and the United States of America. The regional representation of the ten non-permanent members is (i) Afro-Asian countries – 5; (ii) Latin American countries – 2; (iii) West European and other countries – 2; (iv) East European countries – 1. The ten non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly by a two-thirds majority for a term of two years. A retiring member is not eligible for immediate re-election. The Presidency of the Council rotates monthly, according to the English alphabetical listing of its member States.
(b) Veto power.
Answer: Veto power refers to the ability of any of the five permanent members of the Security Council – China, France, Russia, Britain, and the United States of America – to block any substantive resolution by casting a negative vote. If any of the permanent members uses their veto power, the resolution cannot be adopted, even if it has majority support. Abstinence from voting by a permanent member does not amount to a veto.
(c) Four of its functions.
Answer: The functions of the Security Council are:
- To maintain international peace and security in accordance with the principles and purposes of the United Nations.
- To investigate any dispute or situation which might lead to international friction and to recommend methods of adjusting such disputes or the terms of settlement.
- To determine the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression and to recommend what action should be taken.
- To call on members to apply economic sanctions and other measures not involving the use of force to prevent or stop aggression.
5. With reference to the International Court of Justice, explain the following:
(a) Its Composition.
Answer: The Court is composed of 15 judges elected to nine-year terms of office by the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council sitting independently of each other. It may not include more than one judge from any nationality. Elections are held every three years for one-third of the seats, and retiring judges may be re-elected. The Members of the Court do not represent their governments but are independent magistrates.
(b) Its Compulsory Jurisdiction.
Answer: The International Court of Justice’s compulsory jurisdiction refers to the Court’s authority to hear and rule on cases submitted to it by States that have accepted its jurisdiction as compulsory. This means that the States have agreed in advance to accept the Court’s decision in any legal dispute in which they are involved. The Court’s decision is binding on the parties involved, and they are obligated to comply with it.
(c) Its Advisory Jurisdiction.
Answer: The International Court of Justice’s advisory jurisdiction allows it to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by duly authorized international organs and agencies, such as the United Nations General Assembly or the Security Council. These opinions are not binding but carry significant legal weight and are often used to guide international legal practices and the actions of international organisations.
Picture Study
1. (a) Identify the Organisation associated with the emblem. Mention any three principles of this organisation.
Answer: The Organisation associated with the emblem is the United Nations.
Three principles of this organisation are:
- To respect the sovereign equality of all its members.
- All members should fulfil in good faith the obligations assumed by them.
- They should settle their international disputes by peaceful means.
2. (b) Where is the headquarters of this organisation located? Which is the main deliberative organ of this organisation? State any three of its functions.
Answer: The headquarters of this organisation is located in New York, USA.
The main deliberative organ of this organisation is the General Assembly.
Three functions of the General Assembly are:
- To consider and make recommendations on the principles of cooperation, in the maintenance of international peace and security.
- To discuss and make recommendations on any question within the scope of the Charter or affecting the powers and functions of any organ of the United Nations.
- To receive and consider reports from the Security Council and other organs of the United Nations.
3. (c) Name the principal judicial organ of this organisation and explain its composition.
Answer: The principal judicial organ of this organisation is the International Court of Justice.
Composition:
- The Court is composed of 15 judges elected to nine-year terms of office by the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council sitting independently of each other.
- It may not include more than one judge from any nationality.
- Elections are held every three years for one-third of the seats, and retiring judges may be re-elected.
- The Members of the Court do not represent their governments but are independent magistrates.
Thinking Skills
1. Do you think the UN has justified the role for which it was established in 1945? Give reasons to support your answer.
Answer: The UN has largely justified the role for which it was established in 1945. It has played a crucial role in maintaining international peace and security by preventing the outbreak of another world war. The UN has also been instrumental in promoting social progress, better living standards, and human rights. Through its various agencies, the UN has provided humanitarian aid, promoted economic development, and supported decolonisation efforts around the world. However, there have been criticisms regarding its effectiveness in resolving certain conflicts and the need for reforms in its structure, especially in the Security Council.
2. Do you think that in the changed global scenario, the Security Council should add more permanent members? Give reasons to support your answer.
Answer: Yes, in the changed global scenario, the Security Council should add more permanent members. The current structure of the Security Council reflects the post-World War II power dynamics, which are no longer representative of the global balance of power. Emerging powers such as India, Brazil, and others have significant roles in global affairs and deserve permanent representation on the Council. Expanding the permanent membership would make the Security Council more democratic and representative, thereby increasing its legitimacy and effectiveness in addressing contemporary global challenges.
Extra/additional MCQs
1. When did the United Nations Organisation (UNO) come into existence?
A. June 26, 1945
B. October 24, 1945
C. October 20, 1947
D. January 1, 1945
Answer: B. October 24, 1945
31. What majority is required in the UN General Assembly for decisions on important matters?
A. Simple majority
B. Two-thirds majority
C. Unanimous vote
D. Three-fourths majority
Answer: B. Two-thirds majority
Extra/additional questions and answers
1. When did the United Nations Organisation come into existence?
Answer: October 24, 1945.
30. What are the key functions of the Security Council?
Answer: The key functions of the Security Council include:
- Maintaining international peace and security in accordance with the principles and purposes of the United Nations.
- Investigating any dispute or situation that might lead to international friction.
- Recommending methods of adjusting disputes or terms of settlement.
- Formulating plans for the establishment of a system to regulate armaments.
- Determining the existence of a threat to the peace or an act of aggression and recommending what action should be taken.
- Calling on members to apply economic sanctions and other measures not involving the use of force to prevent or stop aggression.
- Recommending the admission of new members.
- Exercising the trusteeship functions of the United Nations in strategic areas.
- Recommending to the General Assembly the appointment of the Secretary-General and, together with the Assembly, electing the judges of the International Court of Justice.
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