The five fundamental British values
Every Life in the UK test starts here. Democracy. Rule of law. Individual liberty. Tolerance. Respect. Master these five and a third of the exam looks after itself.
What are the fundamental British values?
The Home Office identifies five core values: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. They are taught in every UK school and underpin the citizenship test.
Where do these values come from?
They’re built up over a thousand years — from Magna Carta (1215) limiting royal power, to the Bill of Rights (1689), to the Human Rights Act (1998) and the Equality Act (2010). The handbook expects you to recognise the role each plays.
What does the citizenship Oath of Allegiance say?
New citizens swear allegiance to the Sovereign and pledge to uphold the UK’s rights, freedoms and democratic values. It’s read at every citizenship ceremony alongside a Pledge to the United Kingdom.
How is this tested?
Expect single- and multi-answer questions on responsibilities of citizens, the Oath, and which historic documents established which rights. Our practice tests cover all 30 question variants used by the Home Office in this area.
Frequently asked questions
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Take a real test on Values & Principles
Our 45 practice tests rotate every topic — including this one — in the official 24-question format.