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NSWLegal StudiesQuick questions
Option: World Order
Quick questions on The role of the United Nations in promoting world order: HSC Legal Studies
14short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is establishment?Show answer
The United Nations was established by the Charter of the United Nations 1945, signed in San Francisco on 26 June 1945 and entering into force on 24 October 1945. The UN succeeded the League of Nations, which had failed to prevent the Second World War. As at 2026, the UN has 193 member states.
What is the six principal organs?Show answer
Article 7 of the Charter establishes six principal organs.
What is specialised agencies?Show answer
The UN system includes 15 specialised agencies, each established by treaty and linked to the UN through agreements with ECOSOC. Key examples:
What is peacekeeping operations?Show answer
The Security Council authorises peacekeeping operations under articles 40-42. As at 2026, there are around a dozen active operations (e.g. MINUSCA in the Central African Republic, MONUSCO in the DRC, UNFICYP in Cyprus, UNDOF on the Golan Heights). Peacekeepers are contributed by member states under separate UN command.
What is the Security Council and the veto?Show answer
The veto under article 27 has been used routinely by the permanent five throughout the UN's history. Recent examples:
What is effectiveness of the UN?Show answer
:::mistake Common traps Treating GA resolutions as binding. They are recommendations except for internal matters (budget, admission of members, election of non-permanent SC members).
What is 1. General Assembly?Show answer
All 193 members. Each state has one vote. Decisions on important questions require a two-thirds majority (article 18).
What is 2. Security Council?Show answer
15 members: 5 permanent (United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China) and 10 elected by the GA for two-year terms. Has primary responsibility for international peace and security under article 24. May authorise sanctions (article 41) and use of force (article 42) under Chapter VII.
What is 3. Economic and Social Council?Show answer
54 members. Coordinates economic, social, humanitarian and cultural activities. Oversees the specialised agencies.
What is 4. Trusteeship Council?Show answer
Suspended operation in 1994 when Palau (the last UN Trust Territory) achieved independence.
What is 5. International Court of Justice?Show answer
The principal judicial organ. Hears disputes between states.
What is 6. Secretariat?Show answer
Headed by the Secretary-General (since 1 January 2017, Antonio Guterres of Portugal).
What is forgetting which states have the veto?Show answer
The five permanent members are the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia and China.
What is confusing UN with the EU or NATO?Show answer
The UN is universal; the EU and NATO are regional. :::