Q30 (CDS-II/2012) International Relations & Global Affairs › International Organisations & Groupings › United Nations system Answer Verified

Which one among the following statements about Veto Power with regard to United Nations is correct?

One veto can stall a Security Council resolution

It is a kind of positive vote power

The Secretary General uses this power when not satisfied with any decision of the Council

All the members of the Security Council possess the veto power

Result

Your answer: — · Correct: A

Explanation

The veto power is a unique authority granted to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (P5): China, France, Russia, the UK, and the USA [2]. According to Article 27(3) of the UN Charter, substantive decisions require the concurring votes of these permanent members [1]. Consequently, if any single permanent member casts a negative vote, the resolution is stalled and cannot be approved, even if it receives the required nine affirmative votes from other members [1]. This makes the veto a 'negative vote' power rather than a positive one [1]. Non-permanent members do not possess this power, as they only serve two-year terms and lack the P5's special status [2]. Furthermore, the Secretary-General does not hold veto power; it is strictly reserved for the P5 to protect their national interests and maintain global stability [3].

Sources

[1] Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: International Organisations > Reform of Structures and Processes > p. 55
[2] Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: International Organisations > Ideas for the Teacher > p. 54
[3] Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: International Organisations > The UN in a Unipolar World > p. 59

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Which one among the following statements about Veto Power with regard to United Nations is correct?

Explanation

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