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International Organisations – Class 12 Political Science notes, important questions and MCQs

NCERT Class 12 Political Science, chapter 4. Notes, key terms, important questions with answers and MCQs.

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Chapter overview

International organisations help countries cooperate on peace, development and common problems. The United Nations, founded in 1945, is the most important; its Security Council is responsible for international peace and security. Other organisations such as the IMF, World Bank, WTO and IAEA deal with finance, trade and nuclear energy, while non-governmental organisations such as Amnesty International work for human rights. There are demands to reform the UN to reflect today's world.

The United Nations

  • The UN was founded on 24 October 1945 with 51 members; it now has 193 member states.
  • Its main organs include the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, International Court of Justice and Secretariat headed by the Secretary-General.
  • The Security Council has five permanent members with veto power (USA, UK, France, Russia and China) and ten non-permanent members elected for two years.

UN reform and India

  • Critics argue that the Security Council reflects the power structure of 1945, not the present world, and that the veto is undemocratic.
  • Proposals include expanding permanent and non-permanent membership to include major developing countries.
  • India claims a permanent seat on the basis of its large population, economy, democracy, contributions to UN peacekeeping and regular payment of dues.

Other international organisations

  • The International Monetary Fund oversees the international financial system and helps countries facing balance of payments crises; the World Bank funds development projects.
  • The World Trade Organization (1995) sets rules for global trade; the International Atomic Energy Agency (1957) promotes peaceful use of nuclear energy and prevents its military use.
  • NGOs such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch campaign for human rights worldwide.

Key terms

United Nations
the international organisation founded in 1945 to maintain peace and promote cooperation
Security Council
the UN organ responsible for international peace and security
Veto
the power of a permanent member of the Security Council to block a decision
Peacekeeping
UN operations that help maintain peace in conflict areas
IAEA
the International Atomic Energy Agency, which promotes peaceful use of nuclear energy

Important questions with answers

What is the veto power?2 marks

The veto power is the right of each of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (USA, UK, France, Russia and China) to block any substantive decision of the Council by voting against it, even if all other members support it.

Why is the reform of the UN Security Council being demanded?3 marks

Reform is demanded because the composition of the Security Council reflects the world of 1945, not today's realities; developing countries and regions such as Africa and Latin America are under-represented; and the veto power of five members is seen as undemocratic. Countries like India argue for expansion of permanent and non-permanent membership.

Explain the structure and role of the United Nations and the case for its reform.5 marks

The United Nations was founded on 24 October 1945 after the Second World War to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations and promote cooperation on economic, social and humanitarian problems. It began with 51 members and now has 193. Its main organs are the General Assembly, where every member has one vote; the Security Council, which has five permanent members with veto power and ten non-permanent members elected for two years, and is responsible for peace and security; the Economic and Social Council; the International Court of Justice; and the Secretariat headed by the Secretary-General. Specialised agencies such as WHO, UNESCO and UNICEF work on health, education and children's welfare. The UN has helped through peacekeeping, humanitarian aid and setting global norms on human rights and development. However, there are demands for reform. The Security Council's composition reflects the power balance of 1945; it does not adequately represent developing countries, Africa or Latin America; and the veto of five members is seen as undemocratic. Proposals include adding new permanent and non-permanent members and improving the working of the UN. India supports reform and claims a permanent seat because of its large population, growing economy, democratic credentials, major contributions to UN peacekeeping and commitment to multilateralism.

Quick revision

  • UN founded 24 October 1945; 193 members.
  • Security Council: 5 permanent (veto) + 10 non-permanent.
  • UN reform; India's claim.
  • IMF, World Bank, WTO, IAEA; NGOs.

Exam tips

  • Learn the five permanent members and their veto power.
  • List India's arguments for a permanent seat in the Security Council.

Practice MCQs

  1. The United Nations was founded in

    1. 1919
    2. 1945
    3. 1947
    4. 1991
    Show answer

    Answer: (b) 1945. UN Day is 24 October.

  2. The number of permanent members of the Security Council is

    1. 3
    2. 5
    3. 10
    4. 15
    Show answer

    Answer: (b) 5. They have veto power.

  3. The head of the UN Secretariat is the

    1. President
    2. Prime Minister
    3. Chairman
    4. Secretary-General
    Show answer

    Answer: (d) Secretary-General. The post is filled on recommendation of the Security Council.

  4. Which of these is NOT a permanent member of the Security Council

    1. China
    2. India
    3. France
    4. Russia
    Show answer

    Answer: (b) India. India seeks a permanent seat.

  5. The international organisation that promotes peaceful use of nuclear energy is the

    1. WTO
    2. WHO
    3. IMF
    4. IAEA
    Show answer

    Answer: (d) IAEA. It was set up in 1957.

  6. Non-permanent members of the Security Council are elected for

    1. two years
    2. one year
    3. five years
    4. life
    Show answer

    Answer: (a) two years. There are ten of them.

  7. A common criticism of the Security Council is that

    1. it has too many members
    2. it has no powers
    3. it reflects the power structure of 1945 and the veto is undemocratic
    4. it includes all countries as permanent members
    Show answer

    Answer: (c) it reflects the power structure of 1945 and the veto is undemocratic. Reform is widely demanded.

  8. Which is an argument for India's permanent membership

    1. India is a large democracy and a major contributor to UN peacekeeping
    2. India has no army
    3. India refuses to pay UN dues
    4. India has a small population
    Show answer

    Answer: (a) India is a large democracy and a major contributor to UN peacekeeping. India's role has grown.

All chapters of Class 12 Political Science

Written by Kundali IQ from standard, well-established facts to help with revision. This is not an official NCERT publication; always read your textbook too.