Quick Review Flashcards - Click to flip and test your knowledge!
Question
Which international organisation, established in 1920, failed to prevent the outbreak of the Second World War?
Answer
The League of Nations
Question
Why did the treaties signed after the First World War contribute to the eventual establishment of the UN?
Answer
They sowed seeds of bitterness and conflict that led to fear of a Third World War.
Question
Following the Second World War, which two countries led the opposing power blocs that divided the world?
Answer
The USA and the USSR
Question
What impact did the invention of the atom bomb have on the decision to form an international peace organisation?
Answer
It created an armament race and the realization that such weapons could end the world.
Question
On what date did the United Nations formally come into existence?
Answer
24 October 1945
Question
At which conference in June 1945 was the text of the UN Charter drafted?
Answer
The San Francisco Conference
Question
How many nations originally signed the UN Charter in 1945?
Answer
51
Question
The UN Charter required ratification by the five permanent members of the Security Council and at least _____ other nations to come into force.
Answer
24
Question
Which day is celebrated globally every year to mark the anniversary of the UN's formation?
Answer
United Nations Day
Question
Which article of the UN Charter defines the purposes of the United Nations?
Answer
Article I
Question
What is the primary objective of the United Nations regarding international conflict?
Answer
To maintain international peace and security.
Question
The UN aims to develop friendly relations among nations based on the principle of equal rights and _____.
Answer
Self-determination of people
Question
Name the three 'new objectives' set by the United Nations alongside its original goals.
Answer
Disarm, decolonise and develop.
Question
The UN principle of 'Sovereign Equality' states that the organisation is based on the equality of _____.
Answer
All its members
Question
How are UN members expected to settle their international disputes according to the organisation's principles?
Answer
By peaceful means
Question
Under UN principles, members must refrain from the threat or use of _____ against any State.
Answer
Force
Question
Does the United Nations have the authority to intervene in the domestic affairs of any State?
Answer
No, it shall not intervene in internal affairs.
Question
In which city is the headquarters of the United Nations located?
Answer
New York, USA
Question
Which is the only principal organ of the UN not located in New York?
Answer
The International Court of Justice
Question
Name the six official languages of the United Nations.
Answer
Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
Question
Which two languages are the official 'working languages' for UN documents?
Answer
English and French
Question
What colour is the background of the United Nations flag?
Answer
Light blue
Question
Which two symbols embrace the polar map of the world on the UN Emblem?
Answer
Twin olive branches
Question
On what date was the United Nations Flag officially adopted?
Answer
20 October 1947
Question
Which organ of the UN decides the annual budget and member contributions?
Answer
The General Assembly
Question
Membership of the UN is open to all _____ nations that accept the obligations of the Charter.
Answer
Peace-loving
Question
How many member states were part of the United Nations as of 2021?
Answer
193
Question
Which country was the last to be admitted as a member of the United Nations?
Answer
South Sudan
Question
Who represented India as an original member at the San Francisco Conference?
Answer
Jawaharlal Nehru
Question
Which organ of the UN is described as its main deliberative body?
Answer
The General Assembly
Question
How many representatives is each member State permitted to have in the General Assembly?
Answer
Five
Question
Regardless of the number of representatives, how many votes does each State have in the General Assembly?
Answer
One vote
Question
When does the regular session of the General Assembly typically begin each year?
Answer
The third Tuesday in September
Question
Decisions on 'important matters' in the General Assembly require a _____ majority.
Answer
Two-third
Question
What level of majority is required for the General Assembly to decide on budgetary issues?
Answer
Two-third majority
Question
Which 1950 resolution empowers the General Assembly to act if the Security Council is deadlocked by a lack of unanimity?
Answer
Uniting for Peace resolution
Question
Which organ has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security?
Answer
The Security Council
Question
How many total members constitute the Security Council?
Answer
15
Question
Name the five permanent members of the Security Council.
Answer
China, France, Russia, Britain and the United States of America.
Question
For how long are the ten non-permanent members of the Security Council elected?
Answer
Two years
Question
Can a retiring non-permanent member of the Security Council be immediately re-elected?
Answer
No
Question
How is the Presidency of the Security Council determined each month?
Answer
It rotates according to the English alphabetical listing of member States.
Question
What is the specific name for the negative vote of a permanent member in the Security Council?
Answer
Veto
Question
How many total affirmative votes are required for a decision on a substantive (non-procedural) matter in the Security Council?
Answer
Nine (including all five permanent members)
Question
Does a permanent member's abstention from voting in the Security Council count as a veto?
Answer
No
Question
Where is the seat of the International Court of Justice?
Answer
The Hague, Netherlands
Question
How many judges serve on the International Court of Justice?
Answer
15
Question
What is the term of office for a judge of the International Court of Justice?
Answer
Nine years
Question
How are the judges of the International Court of Justice elected?
Answer
By the General Assembly and the Security Council sitting independently.
Question
What is the restriction regarding the nationality of judges in the International Court of Justice?
Answer
The Court may not include more than one judge from any nationality.
Question
What is the term length for the President and Vice-President of the International Court of Justice?
Answer
Three years
Question
Under what condition is the International Court of Justice competent to entertain a dispute in its 'Voluntary Jurisdiction'?
Answer
If the States concerned agree to take the issue to it.
Question
Who was the first Secretary-General of the United Nations?
Answer
Trygve Lie
Question
Which UN Secretary-General was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize posthumously in 1961?
Answer
Dag Hammarskjöld
Question
When and where was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted?
Answer
10 December 1948 in Paris
Question
According to Article 1 of the UDHR, all human beings are born free and equal in _____.
Answer
Dignity and rights
Question
Article 2 of the UDHR prohibits discrimination based on what characteristics?
Answer
Race, colour, sex, language, religion, political opinion, national origin, or property.
Question
In which year did the General Assembly adopt the Declaration of the Rights of the Child?
Answer
1959
Question
The General Assembly appoints the Secretary-General upon the recommendation of the _____.
Answer
Security Council
Question
What is the primary role of the Security Council regarding armaments?
Answer
To formulate plans for a system to regulate armaments.