The United Nations (UN) is an international organization that facilitates cooperation among its 193 member states and has a long record of success in peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, development, and political conflict resolution. Its responsibilities include establishing global standards and policies, and promoting economic and social development. UN agencies and programs have won praise, but also criticism, especially for perceived ineffectiveness or bias. In the early days of the organization, many Americans were skeptical and Congress passed a law that required presidential approval before sending US troops to serve with the UN. Since then, the geopolitical climate has changed significantly, and so have the responsibilities of the UN and its decision-making apparatus.
The General Assembly shall, at its annual sessions and at other times as the Security Council may determine, consider any reports on the maintenance of international peace and security and perform such other functions with respect to the international trusteeship system as are assigned to it by the Charter. The Assembly, acting under Chapter XII of the Charter, shall make provision for the administration of the budget of the Organization.
The process of a state becoming a member of the United Nations starts with an application to the Secretary-General and a letter formally accepting the obligations of the Charter. The Security Council then considers the application and, if it recommends admission, it is presented to the General Assembly for consideration. A two-thirds majority vote is needed for membership.
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