Class 5 SST HOTS Questions - The United Nations

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q1: What is the main purpose of the United Nations (UN)?
(a) To promote world domination
(b) To maintain international peace and security
(c) To control individual countries
(d) To sell products globally
Ans: (b)
The main purpose of the United Nations is to promote international cooperation, maintain peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and encourage social progress and better living standards for all.

Q2: Which of the following is NOT a part of the United Nations?
(a) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
(b) World Health Organization (WHO)
(c) Greenpeace
(d) United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
Ans: (c)
Greenpeace is an independent environmental organization and is not a part of the United Nations. The other options are specialized agencies or programs under the UN.

Q3: What is the highest decision-making body of the United Nations?
(a) General Assembly
(b) Security Council
(c) Secretariat
(d) International Court of Justice
Ans: (b)
The Security Council is the highest decision-making body of the United Nations responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It consists of 15 members, five of which are permanent members with veto power.

Q4: Which document outlines the rights and freedoms that all humans should have?
(a) Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(b) Global Peace Agreement
(c) World Freedom Charter
(d) International Rights Accord
Ans: (a)
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, outlines the fundamental rights and freedoms that all individuals are entitled to, regardless of their nationality, race, religion, or other factors.

Q6: What does the term "UNESCO" stand for?
(a) United Nations Education, Science, and Cultural Organization
(b) United Nations Environmental and Sustainable Cooperation
(c) Universal Nature and Environment Society for Conservation
(d) Union of Nations Establishing Social Communication Organizations
Ans: (a)
UNESCO stands for the United Nations Education, Science, and Cultural Organization. It focuses on promoting education, scientific collaboration, cultural preservation, and communication between countries.

Short Answer Type Questions 

Q7: Explain the role of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security.
Ans: The United Nations plays a crucial role in maintaining international peace and security through its Security Council. The Security Council identifies threats to peace and recommends actions or interventions to address conflicts between countries. It can impose sanctions, establish peacekeeping missions, and authorize the use of force when necessary to prevent or stop conflicts. The goal is to prevent wars and promote peaceful resolution of disputes among nations.

Q8: How does the United Nations contribute to improving the living standards of people around the world?
Ans: The United Nations contributes to improving living standards through its various programs and agencies. For instance, organizations like UNICEF work to ensure children's rights and provide access to education, healthcare, and nutrition. The World Health Organization (WHO) focuses on global health issues. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works to reduce poverty, promote sustainable development, and empower marginalized communities. Overall, the UN aims to create conditions for better living by addressing social, economic, and health-related challenges.

Q9: Describe the structure of the United Nations and the role of the General Assembly.
Ans: The United Nations consists of several main bodies, including the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Secretariat, the International Court of Justice, and specialized agencies. The General Assembly is the main deliberative body, where all member states are represented. Its role is to discuss and make recommendations on various global issues, such as development, peace, and cooperation. While its resolutions are not legally binding, they carry significant moral and political weight. The General Assembly provides a platform for nations to voice their concerns, collaborate, and make decisions on various matters.

Q10:  Explain the concept of veto power in the United Nations.
Ans: Veto power is a special privilege granted to the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council: the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom. Each of these members can use their veto to block any substantive resolution or decision proposed by the Security Council. This means that even if all other members agree, a single veto from any of these five nations can prevent the adoption of a resolution. This power aims to ensure that major global powers are included in important decisions but can sometimes lead to challenges in reaching consensus on critical issues.

Q11: Discuss the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and give an example of a right mentioned in it.
Ans: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a fundamental document adopted by the United Nations to safeguard the rights and freedoms of all people. It serves as a global standard for human rights protection and equality. For instance, the right to freedom of expression is an important right mentioned in the declaration. This means that everyone has the right to express their thoughts, ideas, and opinions freely without fear of censorship or punishment. This right ensures that individuals can participate in their societies, share information, and contribute to a diverse and open public discourse.