Revision Notes: The UK and International Institutions

The Commonwealth

• Nature of the Commonwealth: The Commonwealth is an association of countries that collaborate for shared goals in democracy and development. Despite most members being former parts of the British Empire, some non-former colonies have joined 🔗.
• Leadership: The monarch, currently King Charles III, serves as the ceremonial head. It has 54 member states, and membership is voluntary without authoritative power 🔗.
• Core Values: The Commonwealth is rooted in democracy, good governance, and the rule of law. It can suspend membership if necessary 🔗.

Commonwealth Members

• Member States by Region: There are 56 member states spread across regions like Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific 🔗.

The European Union

• Formation and History: The EU was initially named the European Economic Community, formed by six countries who signed the Treaty of Rome in 1957 🔗.
• Brexit: The UK joined in 1973 and officially left after the Brexit vote on 31 January 2020 🔗.
• Current Members: The EU consists of 27 member states, and its laws are categorised as directives, regulations, or framework decisions 🔗.

The Council of Europe

• Purpose and Membership: Separate from the EU, the Council of Europe includes 47 member countries and focuses on human rights protection 🔗.
• Conventions and Charters: Among its conventions, the European Convention on Human Rights is the most notable 🔗.

The United Nations

• Role and Membership: The UK is a member of the UN, founded post-World War II to prevent conflict and promote global peace 🔗.
• Security Council: The UN Security Council, which addresses international crises, includes the UK as a permanent member 🔗.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

• Function and Membership: NATO is an alliance of European and North American countries to maintain mutual defence and peace 🔗.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the role of the monarch in the Commonwealth?
   a) Executive head of the Commonwealth
   b) Ceremonial head of the Commonwealth
   c) Legislative head of the Commonwealth
   d) Judicial head of the Commonwealth

2. Which international organisation is not part of the EU but focuses on human rights?
   a) The United Nations
   b) The Council of Europe
   c) NATO
   d) The Commonwealth

3. When did the UK officially leave the European Union?
   a) 1 January 2021
   b) 31 January 2020
   c) 29 March 2019
   d) 31 December 2020

4. How many permanent members are there on the UN Security Council?
   a) 10
   b) 5
   c) 15
   d) 20

Answers:

1. b - Ceremonial head of the Commonwealth
2. b - The Council of Europe
3. b - 31 January 2020
4. b - 5