Theories of International Law: Master the Foundations of Global Governance

Question 1

Precise Question: Which fundamental principle underpins positivism in international law?

Accepted Answer

States establish law through their consent.

Answer

Law originates from established customs and traditions.

Answer

Law is derived from inherent principles of justice and morality.

Answer

International organizations enforce the law.

Question 2

Precise Question: Who is widely recognized as the founder of modern natural law theory in international law?

Accepted Answer

Hugo Grotius

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

Jeremy Bentham

Answer

John Austin

Question 3

Precise Question: Identify a common criticism directed towards natural law theories in international law:

Accepted Answer

Subjectivity and difficulty in practical application.

Answer

Lack of clear guidance in dispute resolution.

Answer

Outdated moral principles as a foundation.

Answer

Applicability solely to Christian nations.

Question 4

Precise Question: As per functionalist theory, what primary purpose does international law serve?

Accepted Answer

Facilitating international cooperation

Answer

Maintaining international peace and security

Answer

Protecting human rights

Answer

Promoting economic development

Question 5

Precise Question: Identify the fundamental difference between the positivist and natural law approaches to the foundation of international law:

Accepted Answer

Positivism is based on state consent, while natural law is based on eternal principles.

Answer

Positivism emphasizes reason, while natural law emphasizes emotion.

Answer

Natural law is concerned with the ideal law, while positivism is concerned with the actual law.

Answer

Positivism focuses on law sources, while natural law focuses on law content.

Question 6

Precise Question: According to Marxist theory, international law primarily serves as a tool for which group?

Accepted Answer

The ruling class

Answer

The working class

Answer

The state

Answer

International organizations

Question 7

Which of the following is a hallmark of Natural Law Theories of Public International Law?

Accepted Answer

Law originates from the fundamental nature of human existence.

Answer

Law is solely predicated on state consent.

Answer

Law is solely created by international organizations.

Answer

Law is exclusively determined by the customs and practices of nations.

Question 8

In the Positivist Theory of H.L.A. Hart, International Law:

Accepted Answer

Constitutes a system of norms binding on states due to their widespread recognition.

Answer

Stems from Natural Law.

Answer

Emanates solely from international organizations.

Answer

Is solely enforced by the United Nations.

Question 9

What is a pivotal distinction between Natural Law Theories and Positivist Theories of Public International Law?

Accepted Answer

The origin of law

Answer

The essence of law

Answer

The extent of law

Answer

The enforcement of law

Question 10

The principle of state sovereignty primarily implies that:

Accepted Answer

States possess the exclusive right to govern their internal affairs.

Answer

States are not subject to any external authority.

Answer

States are free to act as they wish, without any constraints.

Answer

States bear responsibility under International Law for their actions.

Question 11

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is primarily known as the:

Accepted Answer

Principal judicial organ of the United Nations

Answer

Sole international court with jurisdiction over disputes between states

Answer

Highest court in the world

Answer

Court with jurisdiction over all international disputes

Question 12

Which characteristic is a key feature of natural law theories of public international law?

Accepted Answer

Law is derived from reason and morality.

Answer

Law is created by states without any higher authority.

Answer

Law is based solely on the customs and practices of states.

Answer

Law is a product of social interactions and power dynamics.

Question 13

Which theory of public international law emphasizes the importance of consent in establishing legal obligations?

Accepted Answer

Consensualist theory

Answer

Natural law theory

Answer

Positivist theory

Answer

Realist theory

Question 14

Which characteristic is a defining feature of customary international law?

Accepted Answer

It is evidenced by consistent state practice.

Answer

It is based on the consent of states.

Answer

It is created exclusively through treaties and agreements.

Answer

It is binding on all states without exception.

Question 15

What is the nature of the relationship between public international law and domestic law?

Accepted Answer

Public international law and domestic law interact and influence each other.

Answer

Public international law is inherently superior to domestic law.

Answer

Domestic law is inherently superior to public international law.

Answer

Public international law and domestic law are separate and distinct.

Question 16

Which fundamental principle underpins natural law theories in public international law?

Accepted Answer

Law emanates from the fundamental nature of humankind.

Answer

Law is established through the consent of states.

Answer

Law originates from the traditions and practices of states.

Answer

Law is an outcome of societal development.

Question 17

Which sociological theory of international law emphasizes the role of power and interests in shaping international norms?

Accepted Answer

Realist theory

Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Liberal institutionalism

Question 18

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) serves as the principal judicial organ of which international organization?

Accepted Answer

United Nations

Answer

European Union

Answer

World Trade Organization

Answer

International Monetary Fund

Question 19

Which of the following is a core principle of natural law theory in public international law?

Accepted Answer

Law is grounded in universal moral principles, existing independently of state consent.

Answer

Law is created through state consent and enforced by their agreement.

Answer

Law is a pragmatic tool for maintaining international order and peace.

Answer

Law primarily reflects the customs and practices of states.

Question 20

According to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, what is the general rule for interpreting treaties?

Accepted Answer

Treaties should be interpreted in good faith, giving their terms their ordinary meaning in context, considering the treaty's objective and purpose.

Answer

Treaty interpretation should prioritize stability and predictability in international relations.

Answer

The intent of the parties at the time of signing should be the primary guide for interpretation.

Answer

The interpretation of a treaty should always be in favor of the state with the weaker position.

Question 21

In Hans Kelsen's pure theory of law, what is the ultimate source of legal authority?

Accepted Answer

A hypothetical Grundnorm, a basic norm that serves as the foundation for the entire legal system.

Answer

The will of the state, as expressed through its legislative and executive branches.

Answer

Principles of natural law, inherent and universal moral principles.

Answer

Customary international law, developed through state practice and general acceptance.

Question 22

Which of the following is a key aspect of constructivist theory in public international law?

Accepted Answer

Constructivism emphasizes how ideas, norms, and social interactions shape state behavior and international relations.

Answer

Constructivism assumes states are unitary actors with fixed and unchanging interests.

Answer

Constructivism focuses primarily on the material power dynamics between states.

Answer

Constructivism prioritizes the legal rules and institutions governing international relations.

Question 23

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

Accepted Answer

Treaties are binding on the parties and must be performed in good faith, meaning states are obligated to uphold their treaty commitments.

Answer

States have the freedom to withdraw from treaties at any time without justification.

Answer

Treaty obligations only apply if they are specifically beneficial to a state.

Answer

Treaties can be modified or terminated unilaterally by a state without the consent of other parties.

Question 24

Which of the following presents a challenge for customary international law?

Accepted Answer

Identifying the specific content of a customary rule can be difficult due to the evolving nature of state practice and opinio juris.

Answer

Customary international law is only binding on states that have explicitly consented to it.

Answer

Customary international law is universally accepted and binding on all states.

Answer

Customary international law can be readily modified or overridden by new treaties.

Question 25

According to liberal institutionalism, what is the primary purpose of international institutions?

Accepted Answer

To facilitate cooperation and reduce conflict between states by providing forums for dialogue, information sharing, and rule-making.

Answer

To enforce international law through coercive measures and sanctions.

Answer

To maintain the balance of power in the international system.

Answer

To protect human rights through the creation and enforcement of international law.