1. UNITED NATIONS – Background Information – HOW DOES THE UN WORK?
http://www.un.org/en/aboutun/index.shtml
1.When was the UN created and by how many member states? /1
The UN was created by 51 different countries in 1945.
2.What were the 3 main goals of the original members of the UN as a group? /3
The original intent was to help keep the peace, help positive relationships between countries
form, and to improve human rights and living standards.
3.How many member nation-states does the present day UN have? /1
There are 192 member countries currently within the UN.
4.List 6 of the “wide range” of world issues that that modern UN works on with its member
states./3
Among the many issues worked on in the UN is refugee protection, help during disaster, helping
democracy’s popularity, promoting gender equality, clearing landmines away, and assisting with more
food production.
5.Look in the bullet box on the right side of this page and list the 4 main goals of the modern
UN. /2
As previously mentioned, the UN has 4 main goals, which are to keep world peace, to create good
international relationships, to improve human rights and living standards, and to be the focal point of all
these things as they happen.
The Secretary General of the UN
http://www.un.org/sg/priority.shtml
6.What is his name and where is he from? Paste a picture of him below. /3
The Secretary General’s name is Ban Ki-moon, and he is from South Korea.
7.What are four of his resolutions as General Secretary of the UN? /2
The Secretary General’s resolutions are to lead by example, favor talking and negotiation over
fighting, be passionate AND compassionate during the reaching of goals, and to pay attention to all
members’ concerns.
8.What are the Secretary Generals 8 categories of priorities for action? /4
The Secretary General has eight sections for his priorities, being climate change, disarmament,
combating poverty, Improving global health, keeping the peace and security, helping women,
duty to protect, and the reformation and honesty of the UN.

2. Structure and Organization – an overview
http://www.un.org/en/aboutun/structure/index.shtml
9.Looking at the blue underlined headings on this page, what are the 6 main structural parts
of the UN? /3]
There are six main components of the UN; the general assembly, the Security Council, the
economic and social council, the trusteeship council, the court of international justice, and the
specialized agencies and funds.
General Assembly
http://www.un.org/en/ga/about/background.shtml
10.Under the heading “forum for multilateral negotiation” explain in your own words
the 2 main functions of the General Assembly. /2
The general assembly are the rule makers and the representatives of the entire UN.
11.Summarize the 8 main functions and powers of the General Assembly in your own words
(look at the bullet points). /4
•Make suggestions to assist with international peace.
•Talk about any questions about international peace and security, and make suggestions, with the
exception of cases being discussed with the Security Council.
•With the same exception, talk about any questions within the reach of the charter or affecting parts of
the UN.
•Make suggestions to promote international cooperation and the improvement of human standards.
•Make suggestions for the peaceful solution of impairing issues.
•Discuss reports from other factions of the UN
•Work on the budget.
•Choose temporary members of the Security Council, members of the other parts, and elect a new
Secretary General.
12.The Search for Consensus – Read the final 2 paragraphs on the General Assembly Page and
explain their gist in your own words. /2
Every member has one vote per issue discussed. Important issues require a two-thirds vote, while
everything else is decided with majority. Recently, it has been attempted for decisions to be unanimous
to help with harmony. After consulting, the president can propose an answer be made without a vote.
Security Council
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Security_Council#Members
13.Who are 5 permanent members and the current 10 non-permanent members of the
Security Council? /5

3. The 5 permanent members are China, France, Russia, USA, and the United Kingdom, while the 10
temporaries are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Gabon, Lebanon, Nigeria, Columbia, Germany, India,
Portugal, and South Africa.
14.How do the non-permanent members get a position on the Security Council and how long
do their terms last? /2
Temporary members are elected by the general assembly for a term of 2 years.
Functions and Powers of the Security Council
http://www.un.org/Docs/sc/unsc_functions.html
15.In your own words type out the meaning of the 10 functions and powers of the UN Security
Council. /5
•Keep the peace in a way that reflects the UN.
•Look into every situation that may lead to international issues.
•Suggest ways to stop the above issues.
•Plan a system to regulate national weapons.
•Decide if there is a threat to peace and safety, and give advice for a good course of action.
•Call for a cease-trade or other non violent way to stop the violence of another country.
•Take military course against a country trying to start a fight.
•Recommend new members.
•Use the trusteeship uses in strategic places.
•Recommend the election of a new Secretary General, work with the general assembly to elect judges
for the international court of justice.
Economic and Social Council
http://www.un.org/en/ecosoc/about/index.shtml
16. What is this council responsible for? (4 points) /2
The ECOSOC is responsible for the improvement of human standards, coming up with ways to solve
international monetary and social issues, promoting cultural and educational compliance, and
encourage respect for human rights and freedoms.
17.What 3 powers does the UN Economic and Social Council have and what percentage of all
UN human and financial resources can it draw upon? /4
The ECOSOC has the power to make or start studies and reports on the above issues, assist with
organization and preparation for major international events (socially and economically), and to oversee
a proper follow up to such events. The ECOSOC can cover up to 70% of all UN human and financial
resources.
International Court of Justice
http://www.icj-cij.org/court/index.php?p1=1&PHPSESSID=d163efdf759ec64b3e338656dae4e143
18.Where is it located? /1
The international court of justice is found in the peace palace in the Netherlands.

4. 19.What is its main functions? /2
The purpose of the court is to solve submitted international legal disagreements and give advise
on legal questions.
20.How many judges does it have and how long do they serve for? /2
The court is comprised of 15 judges, who each serve a term of 9 years.
Secretariat
21.Who is the head of the Secretariat? What is the main function of the Secretariat? /2
The Secretariat is headed by the Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon. It gives information as needed by
other UN parts, and performs tasks as directed by the other components.
22.List 4 jobs that members of the Secretariat may perform as duties for the UN? /2
Among other duties that members may perform, are planning peacekeeping actions, stopping
international arguments, getting information on the use of Security Council's decisions, and talking with
members about different initiatives.
23.How many staff did the Secretariat have around the world as of 2010? /1
In 2010, the Secretariat had more than 44 000 members.
24.What is the gist of the oath that members of the Secretariat take? /1
A member of the secretariat can not seek out, take, or accept any instruction or advice from outside
authority; in the carrying out of their duties, they must only answer to the UN.
25.Where is the UN’s headquarters? Where are 7 other places in which the UN maintains a
significant presence? /4
The UN headquarters are in New York. They also keep a decent presence in Addis Ababa, Bangkok,
Beirut, Geneva, Nairobi, Santiago, and Vienna.