Chapter 1
The values and principles of the UK
Democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance of different faiths, and taking part in community life.
Fundamental principles of British life
- 1The handbook lists five: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, and participation in community life.
- 2New citizens make a pledge to uphold these values at the citizenship ceremony, alongside an oath or affirmation of allegiance.
- 3The UK is a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarch. The monarch’s powers are limited by law.
Documents that limited royal power
- 1Magna Carta (1215), sealed by King John at Runnymede, was an early limit on the power of the king and set out certain rights.
- 2The Habeas Corpus Act (1679) protects people from being held in prison unlawfully without a court hearing.
- 3The Bill of Rights (1689) confirmed the rights of Parliament and further limited the monarch, including over taxation and a standing army.
Responsibilities of residents
- 1Respect and obey the law. No one is above it — including the government and the police.
- 2Do not discriminate against others on grounds such as sex, race, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation.
- 3Look after yourself and your family, respect the rights of others, and take part in your community where you can.
- 4Forced marriage and female genital mutilation are illegal in the UK.
The Life in the UK Test itself
- 1Most people aged 18 to 64 applying for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) or British citizenship must pass the test.
- 2The English language requirement is separate from this test.
- 3The official test is 24 questions in 45 minutes. You need 18 correct (75%) to pass.
Life in the UK Test Practice Questions
Test your knowledge with some sample questions from Chapter 1.
Question 1. Which two of the following are fundamental principles of British life?
- A) Monarchy
- B) The rule of law
- C) Join a political party
- D) Democracy
Correct answer: The rule of law; Democracy
The fundamental principles of British life include: democracy, the rule of law , individual liberty, tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and participation in community life.
Question 2. To look after yourself and your family is one of the responsibilities that you will have as a permanent resident or citizen of the UK.
- A) False
- B) True
Correct answer: True
This statement is TRUE .
Question 3. Which of the following is a fundamental principle of British life?
- A) Inequity
- B) Intolerance
- C) Individual liberty
- D) Communism
Correct answer: Individual liberty
Individual liberty is the correct answer.
Question 4. As a British citizen what are your responsibilities (choose two answers)?
- A) To look after yourself and your family
- B) To respect and obey the law
- C) To go to church on Sunday
- D) To walk your dog only during the day
Correct answer: To look after yourself and your family; To respect and obey the law
If you wish to be a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you should: respect and obey the law, look after yourself and your family , respect the rights of others, including their right to their own opinions, treat others with fairness and look after the area in which you live and the environment.
Question 5. Which two responsibilities will you have as a British citizen?
- A) To buy food locally
- B) To volunteer in a community project at least once a year
- C) To look after yourself and your family
- D) To respect the rights of others, including their right to their own opinions
Correct answer: To look after yourself and your family; To respect the rights of others, including their right to their own opinions
If you wish to be a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you should: respect and obey the law, look after yourself and your family , respect the rights of others, including their right to their own opinions, treat others with fairness and look after the area in which you live and the environment.
Ready to practise more? Take a full Life in the UK Test practice test.