Life in the UK test questions on British values

Practise British values

Questions and answers on British values

The same 9 questions again, this time with the answers shown. Read the explanation even where you were right — the test asks the same facts several ways.

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

   • Respect for the rule of law — correct answer
   • Owning a home before you can vote
   • Belonging to a political party
   • Speaking more than one language

   Respect for the rule of law is one of the fundamental principles of British life. Everyone, including people in power, must obey the law. Handbook section 1.1.

2. 2. In the UK, who has to obey the law?

   • Everyone, including people in government — correct answer
   • Only people who hold a British passport
   • Only adults over the age of 21
   • Only people who have lived here for five years

   The rule of law means the law applies to everyone equally. Nobody is above it, including members of the government and the police. Handbook section 1.1.

3. 3. Which principle protects a person's right to hold their own religious beliefs?

   • Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs — correct answer
   • Freedom of movement
   • The right to a state pension
   • The right to free healthcare

   Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs is a fundamental principle. People in the UK are free to follow a religion, or to follow none. Handbook section 1.1.

4. 4. What does it mean to say that the UK is a democracy?

   • The people choose the government through elections — correct answer
   • The monarch decides who forms the government
   • The courts choose the Prime Minister
   • Each council makes its own national laws

   In a democracy the people hold power through the representatives they elect. Voters choose Members of Parliament, and Parliament makes the law. Handbook section 1.1.

5. 5. What does 'individual liberty' mean in the UK?

   • People are free to make their own choices, within the law — correct answer
   • People may ignore any law they disagree with
   • Only citizens may make their own choices
   • People do not have to pay for public services

   Individual liberty is a fundamental principle of British life. It means you can make your own choices about how you live, as long as you stay within the law. Handbook section 1.1.

6. 6. In a democracy, where does power ultimately lie?

   • With the people, who elect representatives to govern — correct answer
   • With the civil service
   • With the courts
   • With the largest newspaper

   Democracy means government by the people. In the UK the people elect Members of Parliament, and those MPs make the law on their behalf. Handbook section 1.1.

7. 7. Select the TWO fundamental principles of British life from this list.

   • Individual liberty — correct answer
   • Participation in community life — correct answer
   • Compulsory membership of a trade union
   • A duty to own property

   Individual liberty and participation in community life are both fundamental principles. Nobody in the UK is required to join a union or to own property. Handbook section 1.1.

8. 8. Select the TWO fundamental principles of British life shown here.

   • Democracy — correct answer
   • Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs — correct answer
   • Compulsory national service
   • A duty to speak only English at home

   Democracy and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs are two of the five fundamental principles. There is no national service in the UK and no rule about the language you speak at home. Handbook section 1.1.

9. 9. Which of these best shows tolerance in everyday life?

   • Treating a neighbour with respect even though they hold different beliefs from you — correct answer
   • Asking a neighbour to hide their beliefs
   • Only speaking to people who share your faith
   • Reporting a neighbour for going to a different place of worship

   Tolerance means accepting that other people may believe and live differently from you, and treating them with respect anyway. Handbook section 1.1.