Question

Select the option that shows the correct relationship between Statements (I) and (II).

(I) The Security Council’s five permanent members have the veto power.

(II) If a permanent member abstains from voting, it does not amount to a veto.

Options

• (II) contradicts (I).

• (II) is the reason for (I).

• (I) is true, but (II) is false.

• (I) and (II) are independent of each other.

Answer 1

(I) and (II) are independent of each other.

Explanation:

Both statements are accurate facts regarding the UN voting system, but they describe two separate rules that operate independently. Statement (I) establishes the basic structural right that the five permanent members possess, a negative vote known as the veto power. Statement (II) explains a separate, specific voting procedure where a permanent member chooses to abstain (not vote at all), which by UN rules does not block a resolution. Neither statement serves as a cause, effect, or contradiction of the other.