The United Nations: An Introduction

This is the United Nations flag. Adopted in 1947, 
it features a map of the world centered on the North Pole. 
The olive branches surrounding the globe symbolize peace.

You've done it! Your work as a trade representative has impressed enough people that you've been named as an ambassador to the United Nations.


Over the next seven days, you will work with a partner to learn about the organization you will be working with, as well as a specific country you will represent.


You and your partner will work together to find out specific information about the UN. You will:

1. Locate and record information related to one of the topics below.
2. Present your information to other country ambassadors in a roundtable discussion.

PART 1: BACKGROUND (30 points)

Your Sources:

• "Background of the United Nations," a document produced by the UN for students (recommended starting point)
• The UN: An Introduction for Students
• UN At a Glance (from the UN official website)
• The search page on the UN website
• The UN Structure and Organization page

Complete the questions for your assigned topic on loose leaf paper.

Topic 1: Basic Facts and the Creation of the U.N. (30 points)

1. What is the mission of the U.N.?
2. To accomplish its mission, what do member countries agree to do?
3. What was one of the earlier attempts to create an institution to promote international cooperation?
4. Describe the two flaws this institution suffered from and explain how these ultimately led to its failure.
5. Discuss some of the main events of World War II. How did these experiences rekindle the idea of establishing a world organization dedicated to world peace and international cooperation?
6. How did the founders of the United Nations try to avoid the failures of the League of Nations? Explain how these actions would avoid the problems encountered by the League.

Topic 2: The Structure and Operation of the U.N. (30 points)

1. Identify and briefly describe the function of the six bodies of the United Nations.
2. Identify the legislative, executive, and judicial operations contained in these bodies.
3. Explain the different ways the United Nations operates on democratic principles such as rule of law, due process, separation of powers, and majority rule.
4. Why can it be said that the Security Council does not operate as a democracy?
5. What kind of occupational skills would someone need to be a staff member or a diplomat at the U.N.?
6. Explain how each of the six bodies helps the U.N. achieve its mission.

Topic 3: Accomplishments of the U.N. (30 points)

1. List the four areas of accomplishment described in the reading on the U.N.
2. Describe the different types of military action the U.N. has taken in its history.
3. Explain how this use of military action is in keeping with the U.N.’s mission and goals?
4. What efforts has the U.N. made in protecting human rights? In what ways has the U.N. extended these efforts in the other areas of accomplishment described in the reading?
5. Describe the areas where the U.N. has made improvements in the health of people in the world. Why has the end of the Cold War made it easier for this to happen?
6. Describe how the U.N.’s Development Program has provided both economic/agricultural assistance and promoted workers’ rights in countries it has worked in. Why has this agency been successful in gaining the trust of developing countries?