Structure of the League

Question 1

What was the Council?

Answer 1

• A small group of nations that met about five times a year - or more often in times of crisis
• Had permanent and non-Permanent members

Question 2

In 1920, who were the permanent members of the Council?

Answer 2

Britain, France, Japan and Italy

Question 3

Were the permanent members the only nations who took part in the Council?

Answer 3

No - there were also temporary members of the council who were elected by the Assembly

Question 4

How long were temporary members of the Council on it for?

Answer 4

3 years

Question 5

How many temporary members of the Council were there?

Answer 5

It varied - between 4 and 9

Question 6

What did all permanent members of the Council possess?

Answer 6

A veto

Question 7

How did the veto weaken the League?

Answer 7

It meant that all decisions had to be unanimous.

Question 8

What was the main idea behind the Council?

Answer 8

Disputing nations could come to the Council and the Council would try and resolve the issue through discussion.

Question 9

What powers did the Council have to solve disputes if discussion did not work?

Answer 9

• Moral condemnation (decide who was right and wrong in the disagreement)
• Economic sanctions (e.g. members could refuse to trade with the aggressor nation)
• Military force - the armed forces of member countries could be used against an aggressor

Question 10

What’s the main difference between the Assembly and the Council?

Answer 10

The Council was small and met every few months. The Assembly had a representative from each member country

Question 11

What was the assembly?

Answer 11

• A group of representatives from each member country which met once a year
• Considered the general policy of the league
• Controlled the budget and elected the non-permanent members

Question 12

Secretariat

Answer 12

• Civil service of the league
• Performed administrative and financial work for the league

Question 13

Permanent court of international justice

Answer 13

• Largely independent organisation which worked closely with the league
• Based in the Hague
• Provided legal advice for the council
• Judges were elected every 9 years by the assembly and council

Question 14

International Labour organisation

Answer 14

• Largely independent organisation which worked closely with the league
• Based in Geneva
• Aims to promote good and proper working conditions, rights and hours