SettleReady › Life in the UK Test
Chapter 1: The values and principles of the UK
The fundamental principles
British society rests on a small set of shared principles that everyone living here is expected to respect: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance of people with different faiths and beliefs, and taking part in community life. These come from the country's history and traditions, and they are protected by law, by custom and by what people expect of each other.
Responsibilities and freedoms
If you live in the UK you should respect and obey the law, respect other people's rights, including their right to their own opinions, treat others fairly, look after yourself and your family, and look after the area where you live and the environment.
In return the UK offers freedom of belief and religion, freedom of speech, freedom from unfair discrimination, the right to a fair trial, and the right to take part in electing a government. Voting is a right, not a legal duty.
Becoming a permanent resident or citizen
To apply for settlement or citizenship you normally need to pass this test, which checks your knowledge of life in the UK, and separately show that you can speak and understand English at the level the Home Office requires.
At a citizenship ceremony new citizens swear an oath (or make a non-religious affirmation) of allegiance and make a pledge: to give their loyalty to the UK, respect its rights and freedoms, uphold its democratic values, observe its laws faithfully, and fulfil their duties as a British citizen.
Practice questions on this chapter
Tap a question to see the answer and explanation.
Which of these is a fundamental principle of British life?
- Following one official religion
- Military service for all adults
- Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
- Compulsory membership of a political party
Answer: C. Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
The fundamental principles are democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, and participation in community life.
Is this statement TRUE or FALSE? At a citizenship ceremony, new citizens make an oath or affirmation of allegiance and a pledge.
- TRUE
- FALSE
Answer: A. TRUE
New citizens swear an oath (or make a non-religious affirmation) of allegiance and make a pledge to respect the UK's rights, freedoms, democratic values and laws.
Is this statement TRUE or FALSE? British values come from the country's history and traditions, and they are upheld by law, custom and what society expects.
- TRUE
- FALSE
Answer: A. TRUE
The handbook explains that UK values grew out of its history and traditions, and are upheld by laws, customs and social expectations.
Which TWO are rights that people living in the UK have?
- The right to a fair trial
- The right to ignore laws you disagree with
- The right to choose not to pay tax
- Freedom from unfair discrimination
Answer: A. The right to a fair trial and D. Freedom from unfair discrimination
Freedom from unfair discrimination and the right to a fair trial are among the rights listed in the handbook.
Is this statement TRUE or FALSE? Individual liberty is one of the fundamental principles of British life.
- TRUE
- FALSE
Answer: A. TRUE
The fundamental principles are democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, and participation in community life.
Test yourself on every question in this chapter in the app, with explanations in English and translations in Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, Punjabi, Chinese and French.