Site navigation

Which of the following describes the composition of the UN Security Council?

Question and options

Which of the following describes the composition of the UN Security Council?
  1. 5 permanent members and 6 non-permanent members elected for 2-year terms
  2. 5 permanent members and 10 non-permanent members elected for 1-year terms
  3. 5 permanent members and 10 non-permanent members elected for 2-year terms
  4. 10 permanent members and 5 non-permanent members elected for 2-year terms

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: C - 5 permanent members and 10 non-permanent members elected for 2-year terms
Under Article 23 of the UN Charter, as amended in 1965, the Security Council has 15 members: five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States), each with a veto, and ten non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms. The composition with six non-permanent members is the original Council of eleven before the 1965 amendment, and non-permanent members do not serve one-year terms.

Practice for these exams

Related question papers

Related exam syllabi

More solved explanations in United Nations, ICJ & peaceful settlement; use of force