The UK and international institutions
The Commonwealth is an association of countries that support each other and work together. Most members were once part of the British Empire, though a few countries that were not have also joined. The monarch is head of the Commonwealth. Membership is voluntary and it has no power over its members.
The UK is a member of the United Nations (UN), an international organisation formed after the Second World War to prevent war and promote international peace and security. The UK is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
The UK is a member of NATO, a group of European and North American countries that have agreed to help each other if they come under attack.
The Council of Europe is separate from the European Union. It has no power to make laws but draws up conventions and charters, such as the European Convention on Human Rights.
The Commonwealth now has 56 member countries. The UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020; it remains a member of the Council of Europe, NATO and the UN.
Key facts
- The monarch is head of the Commonwealth. Membership is voluntary.
- The Commonwealth’s core values include democracy, the rule of law, good government and human rights.
- The UK is a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
- NATO members agree to help each other if attacked.
- The Council of Europe created the European Convention on Human Rights.
Memory tips
- NATO = mutual defence; UN = world peace; Commonwealth = old Empire friendships.
Practice questions
1. Who is the head of the Commonwealth?
- The Prime Minister
- The UK monarch
- The Secretary-General of the UN
- It changes each year
Show answer
The monarch is head of the Commonwealth.
2. The UK is one of how many permanent members of the UN Security Council?
- Three
- Five
- Seven
- Ten
Show answer
The UK is one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
3. Is membership of the Commonwealth voluntary?
- Yes
- No — all former colonies must join
- Only for European countries
- Only for island nations
Show answer
Membership is voluntary. The Commonwealth has no power over its members.
4. What is NATO?
- A trade agreement
- A group of European and North American countries that agree to help each other if attacked
- A human rights court
- A Commonwealth committee
Show answer
NATO members agree to help each other if they come under attack.
5. Which organisation drew up the European Convention on Human Rights?
- The European Union
- The Council of Europe
- The United Nations
- NATO
Show answer
The Council of Europe, which is separate from the EU, drew up the Convention.
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