World Cultures Name: Joshua Kunicki

Unit Introduction to Globalization Block: 2

The United Nations
Complete this assignment to gain background knowledge on the United Nations. To begin, open an Internet browser and
navigate to the United Nations home page at http://www.un.org/en/index.shtml. Then, scroll down to the section
called The U.N. and, and click on CyberSchoolbus. Read the article there and respond to the items below:
1. Explain the meaning of the U.N. emblem.

The world being held by the olive branches of peace

2. How many countries are members of the U.N. today? 192

3. How might you describe the U.N. General Assembly? What happens when it convenes?

It is a world parliament that every country no matter the size gets one vote.

4. Does the General Assemblys vote matter? Why or why not?

It does matter because their decisions solutions that carry the weight of the world government opinion

5. What is unique about the U.N.s headquarters?

The headquarters are in New York city, however it is international territory. The headquarters also have its own post
office and its own flag

6. What are the main goals of the U.N.?
To maintain world peace
To develop friendly relations between nations.
To work together to help people live better lives, to eliminate poverty, disease and illiteracy in the world, to
stop environmental destruction and to encourage respect for each other's rights and freedoms.
To be a centre for helping nations achieve these aims.
7. identify at least two challenges that exist in following the U.N. principles.

countries must try to settle their differences peacefully
Countries must try to assist the UN

8. What was the League of Nations, and how does it relate to the U.N.?

it was a group of 42 countries that tried to keep world peace and prevent another world war. The League of Nation
tried to do the same thing as the U.N. however it couldnt because they had no actual power

9. In what ways was the League of Nations an example of early globalization? Identify at least two.

The league of nations if needed would help the country with money
help suppressed countries

10. Why did the League of Nations fail? Identify at least two reasons.

had no military power
several big power countries did not support the League of Nations

11. In what year was the U.N. created? 1945 What was happening at that time? World War 2

12. How many countries originally joined the U.N.? 50
13. Why might the League of Nations be considered the forerunner of the United Nations?

They both had the same goals to maintain world peace

14. What is the U.N.s Security Council, and what countries are involved in it? It is the old Leagues council, it includes
China, US, UK USSR, France and ten other countries that have two year terms
15. Why might the structure and operation of the Security Council be problematic? In other words, what principle does
it appear to violate? Identify two issues.

They have control over what becomes international laws
They have too much power
Go to the BBCs profile on the U.N. at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/3159028.stm and scroll down
to the Members section.
16. Who is the newest U.N. member, and what noteworthy nations are not members of the U.N.? Why has U.N.
membership grown?

South Sudan is the newest member, Vatican and Taiwan are still not members. The U.N. has been growing because
nations are becoming independent and joining.

17. How is the U.N. funded?

all the member nations help pay for it based are their capability to pay.

18. The chart below lists the six organizational bodies of the U.N. Complete the chart with information about their
purpose as well as details you find interesting or important. NOTE: Youve already read a bit about the G.A. and S.C.
Organizational Bodies Purpose Interesting & Important Facts
General Assembly

to debate about what to do about conflicting
countries and to create new international
laws.
the assembly can adopt declarations.
Security Council

tasked to ensure global peace and security. it has five permanent members: Russia,
China, US, UK, and France.
Economic and Social
Council
oversees commissions that deal with human
rights.
has 54 members elected by the general
assembly.
International Court of
Justice (World Court)
this is the judicial part of the U.N. has 15 judges and are elected by the
general assembly.
Secretariat

this person does the day to day work of the
U.N.
includes research and media relations
Trusteeship Council

the council administered the trust territories. This group has been suspended in 1994

19. The U.N. also has separate organizations that work to meet its goals. List four different groups or goals these
organizations work to help or promote (NOT the names of the organizations).

UNs nuclear watchdog
promotes child health, safety, and education
promotes environmental protection
fights against hunger

20. What is the title of the U.N.s leader, and who currently holds this position? How is this position used to
counterbalance the strength of some U.N. members?
secretary-general
21. What do you feel is the future of the U.N.? Does it have a place in todays world? Why or why not? What can it do
to improve its position? Write a 5-6 sentence paragraph explaining your views.