Loading…
Loading…
GCSE History · key term
The power of a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council to block a substantive resolution.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Paper 1
Revise: Causes of the Korean WarNormally, the USSR could have blocked such action using its Security Council veto. However, it was boycotting the Security Council in protest against communist China’s exclusion: China’s seat was still held by Chiang’s government on Taiwan. Soviet absence meant it could not exercise its veto during the decisions on Korea.
Paper 2
The United Nations discussed Hungary, but the Soviet Union used its to block action in the Security Council. The UN General Assembly held an emergency special session and passed resolutions calling for Soviet withdrawal and free elections. These expressed international opposition, but did not compel the Soviet Union to leave.
Explain the significance of the Soviet boycott: the USSR was absent, so it could not use its Security Council veto to block action against North Korea.
Explain how two consuls, annual elections and mutual vetoes limited power rather than simply listing these features.
Create a free account to read GCSE History revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.
Paper 2
The power to block another office-holder’s decision or action.
Revise: The Overthrow of the Kings and the Establishment of the RepublicEach could veto, or block, the other’s actions. This made it harder for one man to exercise unchecked authority. Secondly, they served for one year, rather than ruling for life.
The power to block an official action.
The power to forbid or block an official measure.
Paper 1
The power to block a decision. Each permanent member of the United Nations Security Council received this power.
Revise: Conferences and the Post-War International OrderThe United Nations: the leaders agreed arrangements for the Security Council, including five permanent members, each with a veto. This offered a framework for continued international cooperation.
Paper 1
The power to prevent a proposed law from being passed.
Revise: Liberal reformsLimiting the Lords’ veto was a central issue in both. The Liberals remained in government, but no longer had the overwhelming parliamentary strength they had enjoyed after 1906. They depended on Labour and Irish Nationalist support in the Commons.