The values and principles of the UK

What you need to know

• The book gives five fundamental principles of British life: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, participation in community life and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
• Looking after yourself and your family is a responsibility, not a principle. The others are obeying the law, respecting the rights of others, treating others fairly and looking after your area and the environment.
• If you want to be a permanent resident or citizen you agree to respect the law, and the rights and values of others.
• At a citizenship ceremony you swear or affirm allegiance to the monarch, and pledge loyalty to the United Kingdom.
• The oath of allegiance is sworn on a holy book; people who prefer not to swear on one make an affirmation instead, which has exactly the same legal effect.
• Citizenship ceremonies are usually arranged by the local council and normally take place within three months of your application being approved.
• To apply for citizenship or permanent residence you must speak English and understand life in the UK, which is why the test exists.
• The book lists five freedoms: freedom of belief and religion, freedom of speech, freedom from unfair discrimination, a right to a fair trial and a right to join in electing a government.
• Everyone in the UK is equal before the law, whatever their background.
• The UK is a parliamentary democracy with the monarch as head of state.

Our summary, in our own words. The test can ask about anything in the chapter, so read the official handbook too.

Practice questions on the values and principles of the UK

All 10 of our questions on this topic. Say your answer before you open it: trying to answer first helps you remember it.

1. Which of these is a fundamental principle of British life?

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   • The rule of law

   The book gives five fundamental principles: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, participation in community life and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

2. Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs is a fundamental principle of British life.

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   • True

   It's one of the five principles in the opening chapter, alongside democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and participation in community life.

3. At a citizenship ceremony, what do you swear or affirm?

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   • Allegiance to the monarch

   You swear or affirm allegiance to the monarch, and pledge loyalty to the United Kingdom.

   Changed since the book: Since September 2022 the oath of allegiance is to King Charles III.

4. What is the difference between swearing an oath and making an affirmation at a citizenship ceremony?

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   • An oath is sworn on a holy book; an affirmation is not, and both have the same legal effect

   People who prefer not to swear on a holy book make an affirmation instead. It carries exactly the same legal weight.

5. Who normally arranges your citizenship ceremony?

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   • Your local council

   Ceremonies are usually arranged by the local council and normally take place within three months of your application being approved.

6. Which TWO things must you do to apply for permanent residence or citizenship in the UK?

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   • Speak English
   • Understand life in the UK

   You must be able to speak English and understand life in the UK. That second requirement is the reason this test exists.

7. Which of these is a responsibility you accept when you settle in the UK?

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   • Respecting the law and the rights of others

   Permanent residents and citizens agree to respect the law, and the rights and values of other people.

8. What kind of country is the UK?

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   • A parliamentary democracy with the monarch as head of state

   The UK is a parliamentary democracy. The monarch is head of state but does not run the government.

9. Everyone in the UK is equal before the law, whatever their background.

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   • True

   Equality before the law is one of the core ideas the opening chapter sets out.

10. Which TWO freedoms does the UK offer its residents?

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    • Freedom of speech
    • Freedom of belief and religion

    The book lists five: freedom of belief and religion, freedom of speech, freedom from unfair discrimination, a right to a fair trial and a right to join in electing a government. Paying tax and obeying court judgments are obligations, not freedoms.