Treaties: Legally Binding Agreements in International Law

Question 1

Categorize treaties based on their subject matter, providing specific examples for each category.

Accepted Answer

Political treaties (e.g., peace treaties, alliances)

Accepted Answer

Economic treaties (e.g., trade agreements, investment treaties)

Accepted Answer

Legal treaties (e.g., extradition treaties, judicial cooperation agreements)

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Bilateral treaties (e.g., treaties between two specific states)

Question 2

What is a treaty? Explain its legally binding nature and significance in international relations.

Accepted Answer

A legally binding agreement between states that creates rights and obligations.

Answer

An informal agreement between parties that is not legally binding.

Answer

A document that expresses states' intentions but has no legal force.

Question 3

How do treaties typically become legally binding within a state's domestic legal system?

Accepted Answer

Through domestic legislation implementing the treaty

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Directly upon ratification by the state

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Automatically upon signature by the state's representative

Question 4

What is the primary source of international law governing the interpretation of treaties?

Accepted Answer

Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT)

Answer

United Nations Charter

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International Court of Justice

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Customary international law

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a method of amending a treaty?

Accepted Answer

Unilateral action by a single party

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Adoption of an amendment protocol

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Consensus of all parties

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Subsequent agreement between the parties

Question 6

What is the primary legal consequence of a reservation to a treaty?

Accepted Answer

It modifies the treaty's application to the reserving state

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It invalidates the treaty for all parties

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It requires the consent of all other parties

Question 7

What is the principle of pacta sunt servanda?

Accepted Answer

Treaties are binding and must be fulfilled in good faith

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Treaties are only binding on the parties directly involved

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Treaties can be modified by a subsequent agreement

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of the doctrine of rebus sic stantibus?

Accepted Answer

A treaty can be unilaterally terminated

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A treaty can be amended to reflect the changed circumstances

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A treaty can be suspended until circumstances change

Question 9

What is the main role of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning treaties?

Accepted Answer

To interpret and apply treaties in accordance with international law

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To enforce treaties

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To draft and negotiate treaties

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To register treaties

Question 10

According to the pacta sunt servanda principle, treaties are:

Accepted Answer

Legally binding on the缔约国 parties

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Enforceable in international courts

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Subject to change by subsequent agreements unless such change is prohibited by the treaty itself

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Irrevocable unless amended

Question 11

Which of the following is a consequence of a material breach of a treaty?

Accepted Answer

Suspension or termination of the treaty

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Automatic revision of the treaty

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No legal consequences beyond those provided in the treaty itself

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Obligation to pay compensation

Question 12

According to the Vienna Convention, a treaty that is concluded under the threat of force is:

Accepted Answer

Void

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Enforceable only against the aggressor state

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Valid if the threat is not carried out

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Valid but subject to termination

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a recognized source of international law?

Accepted Answer

Internal legislation of states

Answer

Custom

Answer

Judicial decisions

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General principles of law

Question 14

What is the primary difference between a bilateral treaty and a multilateral treaty?

Accepted Answer

The number of parties involved

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The duration of the treaty

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The subject matter of the treaty

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a treaty under international law?

Accepted Answer

It is a unilateral declaration

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It is governed by the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties

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It is subject to international law

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It can be amended or terminated by mutual consent

Question 16

Which international organization is the depository for the majority of multilateral treaties?

Accepted Answer

United Nations

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World Trade Organization

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International Court of Justice

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Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

Question 17

What is the fundamental principle governing the interpretation of treaties?

Accepted Answer

Pacta sunt servanda

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Ex injuria jus non oritur

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Res judicata

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Estoppel

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a recognized ground for the termination of a treaty?

Accepted Answer

Unilateral withdrawal

Answer

Breach of a material provision

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Change of circumstances

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Impossibility of performance

Question 19

What is the effect of a reservation to a treaty?

Accepted Answer

It modifies the legal effect of specific provisions for the reserving state

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It automatically invalidates the treaty for all parties

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It prevents the reserving state from becoming a party to the treaty

Question 20

Which type of treaty is binding on all states, regardless of their participation?

Accepted Answer

Jus cogens treaty

Answer

Multilateral treaty

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Bilateral treaty

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Framework treaty

Question 21

Is there a legal distinction between a treaty and a convention?

Accepted Answer

No, the terms are interchangeable in international law

Answer

A convention is more binding than a treaty

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A treaty is more formal than a convention

Question 22

Which body is primarily responsible for codifying and progressively developing international law, including treaty law?

Accepted Answer

International Law Commission

Answer

International Court of Justice

Answer

Security Council

Answer

United Nations General Assembly

Question 23

What is the significance of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties?

Accepted Answer

It is a multilateral treaty that codifies the rules governing the formation, interpretation, and termination of treaties

Answer

It is a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly

Answer

It is a bilateral treaty between the United States and the United Kingdom