Question

Explain the composition and functions of the UN Security Council.

Hint:

The Security Council has 15 members: 5 permanent with veto power and 10 non-permanent elected for two years. Its main function is maintaining international peace and security.

Answer 1

Step 1: Composition - total members:
The Security Council is one of the six main organs of the United Nations. It has 15 members.

Step 2: Composition - permanent and non-permanent members:
Five are permanent members: the USA, Russia, the UK, France and China. Each has the veto power, so one negative vote can stop a decision.
Ten are non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for two years. They are chosen on the basis of region and cannot be re-elected at once.
The presidency passes every month to a member in English alphabetical order.

Step 3: Function 1 - Peace and security:
The Council has the main duty to maintain international peace and security. It can ask the parties of a dispute to settle it peacefully.

Step 4: Function 2 - Action against aggression:
It can impose economic sanctions, order a ceasefire, send peacekeeping forces or allow use of force against a country that threatens peace.

Step 5: Function 3 - Other duties:
With the General Assembly it elects the judges of the International Court of Justice.
It recommends the admission of new members and the appointment of the Secretary-General.

Final Answer:
The Security Council has 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members, and its chief function is to keep world peace and security.