UK, Commonwealth, NATO, UN and International Bodies

Section 5.7

The UK and international institutions

The UK works through international organisations for security, trade, diplomacy and cooperation. These organisations have different purposes and should not be treated as interchangeable.

• The United Nations promotes international peace, security and cooperation.
• NATO is a collective defence alliance.
• The Council of Europe promotes human rights, democracy and the rule of law; it is separate from the European Union.
• The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of independent and equal countries.

The UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020. Historical questions may refer to its earlier membership, but the UK is no longer an EU member.

Targeted practice

Questions about The UK and international institutions

These questions prioritise terms covered on this page. Open an answer to review the explanation before moving to the full Chapter 5 practice set.

1. Sample question 1

   The Commonwealth has no power over its members and it cannot suspend their membership:

   • TRUE
   • FALSE
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: FALSE

   The Commonwealth has no power over its members, although it can suspend membership.

   Review The UK and international institutions

2. Sample question 2

   Civil servants cannot stand for public office:

   • TRUE
   • FALSE
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: TRUE

   Most citizens of the UK, Ireland or the Commonwealth aged 18 or over can stand for public office. There are some exceptions, including members of the armed forces, civil servants and people found guilty of certain criminal offences.

   Review The UK and international institutions

3. Sample question 3

   The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is a group of European and North American countries that was created with which two purposes:

   • Protect and promote human rights in those countries
   • Help each other if they come under attack
   • Maintain peace between all its members
   • Promote free trade amongst those countries
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: Help each other if they come under attack and Maintain peace between all its members

   NATO is a group of European and North American countries that have agreed to help each other if they come under attack. It also aims to maintain peace between all of its members.

   Review The UK and international institutions

4. Sample question 4

   Who is the ceremonial head of the Commonwealth?

   • The British King
   • The Pope
   • The President of the United States
   • The Prime Minister of the UK
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: The British King

   The King is the ceremonial head of the Commonwealth.

   Review The UK and international institutions

5. Sample question 5

   What is the Commonwealth?

   • An association of countries that support each other and work together towards shared goals in democracy and development
   • An organisation responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights in its member countries
   • An association of countries that promotes international peace and security
   • A group of European and North American countries that have agreed to help each other if they come under attack
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: An association of countries that support each other and work together towards shared goals in democracy and development

   The Commonwealth is an association of countries that support each other and work together towards shared goals in democracy and development. Most member states were once part of the British Empire, although a few countries which were not have also joined.

   Review The UK and international institutions

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