This is the shortest chapter of the handbook, and one of the easiest places to pick up marks. Most questions ask you to spot which values, responsibilities and freedoms appear on the official lists.
The fundamental principles of British life
British society is built on shared values that come from its history and traditions and are protected by law and custom. The handbook lists five fundamental principles:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
- Participation in community life
Exam tip: wrong answers are often things that sound positive but are not on the list, such as "loyalty to the government" or "following one religion".
Your responsibilities
If you want to become a permanent resident or citizen, you are expected to:
- Respect and obey the law
- Respect the rights of others, including their right to their own opinions
- Treat others with fairness
- Look after yourself and your family
- Look after the area in which you live and the environment
The freedoms the UK offers
In return, the UK offers everyone who lives here:
- Freedom of belief and religion
- Freedom of speech
- Freedom from unfair discrimination
- A right to a fair trial
- A right to join in the election of a democratic government
Becoming a permanent resident or citizen
To apply for settlement or citizenship you usually need to show that you can speak and read English and that you understand life in the UK, which is what this test checks. Applying to live here permanently is often called applying for settlement.
New citizens attend a citizenship ceremony. They either swear an oath of allegiance, which refers to God, or make an affirmation, which does not. They then make a pledge to respect the UK's rights and freedoms, uphold its democratic values, observe its laws faithfully and fulfil their duties as a British citizen.