Definition and Sources of Public International Law: Online Learning Quizzes

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Academic writings

Answer

Treaties

Answer

Customary law

Answer

International organizations

Question 2

What is the fundamental principle that governs the relationship between states in public international law?

Accepted Answer

Sovereignty

Answer

Equality

Answer

Non-intervention

Answer

Pacta sunt servanda

Question 3

Which of the following is a characteristic of customary international law?

Accepted Answer

Based on general and consistent practice accepted as law

Answer

Requires explicit consent of all states

Answer

Codified in written treaties

Answer

Established by judicial decisions

Question 4

What is the primary role of the International Court of Justice in public international law?

Accepted Answer

To settle disputes between states

Answer

To make binding interpretations of treaties

Answer

To create new rules of international law

Answer

To enforce international law

Question 5

What is the key difference between a treaty and an agreement in international law?

Accepted Answer

Treaties are binding on all states, while agreements are only binding on the parties.

Answer

Agreements are binding on all states, while treaties are only binding on the parties.

Answer

There is no difference between a treaty and an agreement.

Answer

Agreements are more formal than treaties.

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of a peremptory norm (jus cogens)?

Accepted Answer

The prohibition of genocide

Answer

The right to self-determination

Answer

The principle of pacta sunt servanda

Answer

The principle of state sovereignty

Question 7

How is customary international law formed?

Accepted Answer

Through a consistent and widespread practice among states

Answer

Through the express consent of all states

Answer

Through formal declarations by international organizations

Answer

Through decisions of international courts and tribunals

Question 8

Which of the following disputes can the International Court of Justice adjudicate?

Accepted Answer

Disputes between states only

Answer

Disputes between states and international organizations

Answer

Disputes between individuals and states

Answer

Disputes between individuals and international organizations

Question 9

What is the principle of res judicata in public international law?

Accepted Answer

A legal issue that has been definitively resolved by an international court cannot be re-litigated

Answer

A decision by an international court is binding on the parties involved

Answer

International courts have exclusive jurisdiction over certain types of disputes

Answer

Decisions of international courts are not subject to appeal

Question 10

Which of the following is considered a secondary subject of public international law?

Accepted Answer

The treatment of foreign nationals

Answer

The law of armed conflict

Answer

The law of the sea

Answer

The law of treaties

Question 11

What is the legal status of the United Nations Charter?

Accepted Answer

Treaty

Answer

Customary rule

Answer

General principle of law

Answer

Judicial decision

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Social Media Posts by Government Officials

Answer

Treaties

Answer

Customary International Law

Answer

General Principles of Law

Question 13

What is the fundamental principle of 'pacta sunt servanda' in public international law?

Accepted Answer

Agreements must be kept and performed in good faith

Answer

States are free to withdraw from treaties at any time

Answer

Treaties are only binding on the states that ratify them

Answer

Customary international law takes precedence over treaties

Question 14

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of customary international law?

Accepted Answer

It arises from a consistent pattern of state practice accompanied by a sense of legal obligation

Answer

It is codified in written treaties and conventions

Answer

It is binding only on states that have explicitly consented to it

Answer

It can be modified or repealed by a single state

Question 15

What is the primary role of the International Court of Justice in the development of public international law?

Accepted Answer

It interprets and clarifies existing laws

Answer

It creates new laws through its decisions

Answer

It enforces compliance with international law

Answer

It has no role in the development of international law

Question 16

What is a key distinction between public international law and private international law?

Accepted Answer

Public international law governs relations between states, while private international law governs relations between individuals and non-state entities

Answer

Public international law is binding on all states, while private international law is not

Answer

Public international law is enforced by international organizations, while private international law is enforced by national courts

Answer

Public international law is based on consent, while private international law is based on reciprocity

Question 17

What does the doctrine of 'jus cogens' refer to in public international law?

Accepted Answer

Peremptory norms of international law that cannot be violated by any state

Answer

Norms that can be derogated from in exceptional circumstances

Answer

Principles that establish the hierarchy of sources of international law

Answer

Rules that allow states to use force to protect their national interests

Question 18

What is the essence of the principle of 'self-determination' in public international law?

Accepted Answer

It entitles all peoples to freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development

Answer

It prohibits states from interfering in the internal affairs of other states

Answer

It allows states to use force to protect their national interests

Answer

It establishes the legal basis for the use of humanitarian intervention

Question 19

Which of the following is considered the primary source of public international law, according to the principle of customary international law?

Accepted Answer

Customary law based on consistent state practice

Answer

Treaties ratified by most states

Answer

Judicial decisions of international courts

Answer

State practice alone, regardless of consistency

Question 20

The principle of 'pacta sunt servanda' in public international law primarily emphasizes that:

Accepted Answer

Treaties must be interpreted in good faith and implemented effectively

Answer

Customary law is binding on all states, even those who have not consented to it

Answer

States are not bound by treaties they have not signed or ratified

Answer

International law only applies to states and not to other international actors

Question 21

The distinction between customary international law and general principles of law recognized by civilized nations lies in their:

Accepted Answer

Origin (state practice vs. domestic legal systems)

Answer

Binding nature (universal vs. state consent)

Answer

Form (unwritten vs. written sources)

Answer

There is no meaningful distinction between these two sources

Question 22

The concept of jus cogens in public international law refers to:

Accepted Answer

Norms of international law that are considered peremptory and cannot be derogated from

Answer

Customary law that has been codified into binding treaties

Answer

Judicial decisions that are automatically binding on all states

Answer

General principles of law that are widely recognized but not legally enforceable

Question 23

The term 'international organization' in public international law refers to:

Accepted Answer

Intergovernmental entities established by treaty among states

Answer

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) formed by private individuals

Answer

Multinational corporations operating across borders

Answer

Any group or entity involved in international relations

Question 24

How is the relationship between domestic law and public international law best described?

Accepted Answer

The relationship between public international law and domestic law varies depending on the context.

Answer

Public international law is always superior to domestic law.

Answer

Domestic law always takes precedence over public international law.

Answer

Public international law and domestic law are completely separate and do not affect each other.

Question 25

Which of the following is a key characteristic of public international law?

Accepted Answer

It is primarily created by and applicable to states.

Answer

It is binding on all individuals worldwide.

Answer

It exclusively governs the conduct of state actors.

Answer

It is applicable only in times of international armed conflict.

Question 26

What is the primary source of public international law?

Accepted Answer

Customary international law

Answer

Treaties

Answer

General principles of law recognized by civilized nations

Answer

Judicial decisions of international courts and tribunals

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for customary international law to arise?

Accepted Answer

Written form

Answer

State practice

Answer

Opinio juris (belief that the practice is obligatory)

Answer

Universality (practice must be followed by all states)

Question 28

What is the primary function of the International Criminal Court (ICC)?

Accepted Answer

To prosecute individuals for serious international crimes, such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity

Answer

To investigate and report on alleged human rights violations

Answer

To provide legal assistance to states in their efforts to combat international crime

Answer

To serve as a permanent forum for the resolution of international disputes

Question 29

Which of the following is not considered a source of public international law?

Accepted Answer

Domestic legislation

Answer

Treaties

Answer

Customary international law

Answer

General principles of law

Question 30

How do international organizations contribute to the development of public international law?

Accepted Answer

They provide forums for discussion and codifying new norms.

Answer

They solely interpret existing international law.

Answer

They are primarily responsible for enforcing international law.

Question 31

Which of the following is not a primary source of public international law?

Accepted Answer

International organizations

Answer

Treaties

Answer

Customary international law

Question 32

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

Accepted Answer

Domestic legislation

Answer

Customary international law

Answer

Treaties

Answer

General principles of law recognized by civilized nations

Question 33

What is the widely accepted definition of Public International Law?

Accepted Answer

The body of rules and principles governing relations between states and other international actors.

Answer

The body of law governing the legal framework within individual states.

Answer

The body of law governing commercial transactions between private entities.

Answer

The body of law governing the internal affairs of individual states.

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT considered a primary source of Public International Law?

Accepted Answer

Unilateral declarations of states.

Answer

Treaties and conventions.

Answer

Customary international law.

Answer

General principles of law recognized by civilized nations.

Question 35

What are the key elements required for the formation of customary international law?

Accepted Answer

Consistent, widespread state practice over a substantial period of time, coupled with the belief that such practice is legally obligatory (opinio juris).

Answer

Formal agreement by a majority of states.

Answer

Acceptance by a specific group of states.

Answer

Endorsement by international organizations.

Question 36

What best describes the nature of Public International Law?

Accepted Answer

A system of rules and principles that govern interactions between states and other international actors.

Answer

A set of moral guidelines used to encourage cooperation between states.

Answer

A collection of domestic laws adopted by individual states to regulate international affairs.

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT a primary source of public international law?

Accepted Answer

Legal scholarship and academic writings.

Answer

General principles of law recognized by civilized nations.

Answer

Treaties and conventions.

Answer

Customary international law.

Question 38

The principle of 'pacta sunt servanda' emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

The obligation of states to uphold their treaty commitments.

Answer

The principle of state sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs.

Answer

The principle of balancing state interests when negotiating treaties.

Answer

The right of states to unilaterally terminate treaties.

Question 39

Which of the following is an example of customary international law?

Accepted Answer

The prohibition of genocide.

Answer

The UN Charter.

Answer

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Answer

The European Convention on Human Rights.

Question 40

What is the concept of 'jus cogens' in international law?

Accepted Answer

Peremptory norms of international law that cannot be violated or derogated from by states.

Answer

The legal system of a specific state.

Answer

The legal principles derived from religious texts.

Answer

The rules governing the conduct of warfare.

Question 41

What is the primary role of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?

Accepted Answer

The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, settling disputes between states that have accepted its jurisdiction.

Answer

The ICJ is a universal court with compulsory jurisdiction over all states.

Answer

The ICJ primarily focuses on enforcing international law.

Question 42

Which of the following is NOT a factor considered when determining whether state practice has crystallized into customary international law?

Accepted Answer

The number of times a state has violated the practice.

Answer

The duration of the practice.

Answer

The widespread acceptance of the practice by states.

Answer

The consistency of the practice.

Question 43

The principle of 'erga omnes' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Obligations owed by states to the international community as a whole.

Answer

The principle of state sovereignty and non-interference.

Answer

The right of states to self-determination.

Question 44

Which of the following best describes the relationship between public international law and domestic law?

Accepted Answer

Public international law generally prevails over domestic law in cases of conflict.

Answer

Public international law and domestic law operate in completely separate spheres.

Answer

Domestic law always takes precedence over international law.

Question 45

A treaty is considered to be in force when:

Accepted Answer

It has been ratified by a sufficient number of states to meet the required threshold for entry into force.

Answer

It has been signed by all states that are party to it.