142 official questions are about the values of the Republic and their concrete limits. Many describe an everyday situation, where common sense is not always enough. For each principle: the questions, the answers, and why.
Lists: CSP = multi-year card · CR = resident card · NAT = naturalisation
France is an indivisible, secular, democratic and social Republic: that is Article 1 of the Constitution, the Constitution of the Fifth Republic. The Constitution organises the institutions and guarantees rights and freedoms; it is the hardest text to change. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, adopted during the Revolution, states that “men are born and remain free and equal in rights”. Fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression, apply to everyone who lives in France. The official language is French.
Secularism is the separation of the State and religions. It guarantees freedom of conscience, to believe or not to believe, and the neutrality of the State, which favours no religion. Public service employees, for example at the prefecture, must be neutral and treat everyone the same way; members of the public are received and treated like everyone else. You can change religion, or have none, and practise your religion while respecting public order. At a state school, nobody wears a very visible religious sign, a small discreet pendant is allowed, and you cannot refuse a lesson because of your beliefs.
The law is the same for everyone, regardless of origin or sex: all citizens have the same rights and duties. Jobs are open to women and men alike, and refusing to hire women is prohibited, punishable discrimination. In a job interview, candidates are asked about their skills and experience. Insulting someone because they are different is punishable by law. Mixed-sex sport lessons are compulsory for all pupils. Human dignity forbids treating a person as an object.
Freedom means being able to do anything that does not harm others. Freedom of expression lets you say and write what you think, within the law: insults, defamation and incitement to hatred are punished, on social media too. Freedom of the press means informing without prior censorship. You can create or join an association, demonstrate peacefully, strike and move freely around the country. The State can limit freedoms by law, to protect public order or the rights of others, as with speed limits.
Everyone freely chooses the person they marry. Either spouse can ask for a divorce; repudiation is prohibited, because only a court divorce ends a marriage. Polygamy is prohibited and punished. Abortion is a freedom guaranteed by the Constitution: a woman can have an abortion freely until the end of the 14th week of pregnancy. Medically assisted reproduction (PMA) relates to the freedom to start a family. The age of majority is 18, and selling alcohol to under-18s is prohibited.
Everyone who lives in France must obey French law. Paying taxes is an obligation: everyone contributes according to their means, and you declare your income every year, even if you pay no tax. Schooling is compulsory from 3 to 16. A citizen drawn by lot as a juror in a criminal court must serve. Faced with a person in danger, you call the emergency services (15, 17, 18 or 112) and help if you can do so safely. You sort your waste and leave it in the right places: throwing a bottle or a cigarette butt on the ground is punished with a fine.
An offence is an act forbidden by law and punished by a penalty, such as a fine or prison. A crime is the most serious offence, for example murder; shoplifting or riding a motorbike without a licence are misdemeanours. A judge can strip a person of their civil and political rights, for example for electoral fraud: they then cannot vote or stand for election. The police and gendarmerie maintain public order; you obey their orders, and can challenge them afterwards through legal channels. After being stopped by the police, you can ask for a lawyer.
These answers look alike. Here is how to tell them apart, side by side.
Questions from this page, drawn from every topic. After each answer: the right answer and why.
In French: Que dit l'article 1er de la Constitution française ?
The correct answer: France is an indivisible, secular, democratic and social Republic
Why: Article 1 also says that the Republic ensures equality of all before the law and respects all beliefs.
See the official questionIn French: "La France est une République indivisible, ..., démocratique et sociale". Complétez cette phrase extraite de l'article 1er de la Constitution :
The correct answer: secular (laïque)
Why: Article 1 says: “France is an indivisible, secular, democratic and social Republic.”
See the official questionIn French: Selon la Constitution, la France est une République…
The correct answer: Indivisible, secular, democratic and social
Why: Article 1 of the Constitution says: “France is an indivisible, secular, democratic and social Republic.”
See the official questionIn French: Le régime de la France est :
The correct answer: a democratic republic
Why: According to Article 1 of the Constitution, France is a democratic Republic: power comes from the people, who vote.
See the official questionIn French: Comment s’appelle la Constitution actuelle de la France ?
The correct answer: The Constitution of the Fifth Republic
Why: The current Constitution dates from 4 October 1958. It founded the Fifth Republic.
See the official questionIn French: Parmi ces textes, lequel garantit les droits et libertés en France ?
The correct answer: The Constitution
Why: The Constitution, with its preamble, guarantees rights and freedoms in France. The Constitutional Council ensures they are respected.
See the official questionIn French: Que contient la Constitution ?
The correct answer: The organisation of powers and fundamental rights
Why: The Constitution organises public authorities (President, Government, Parliament, justice). Its preamble guarantees rights and freedoms.
See the official questionIn French: Qu'est-ce que la Constitution ?
The correct answer: The fundamental text that organises the institutions and guarantees rights
Why: The Constitution is the highest text in France. It organises public authorities and protects rights and freedoms. All laws must respect it.
See the official questionIn French: Quel texte est le plus difficile à modifier ?
The correct answer: The Constitution
Why: The Constitution is the most important text. Changing it requires a special procedure: a vote of Congress by a three-fifths majority or a referendum.
See the official questionIn French: Comment s'appelle le texte qui énonce les droits et devoirs des personnes résidant en France ?
The correct answer: The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
Why: The 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen sets out everyone's rights and duties. It has constitutional value.
See the official questionIn French: Quel texte a été adopté pendant la Révolution française ?
The correct answer: The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
Why: The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen was adopted in August 1789, at the start of the French Revolution.
See the official questionIn French: Laquelle de ces citations est inscrite dans la Déclaration des Droits de l'homme et du Citoyen de 1789 ?
The correct answer: “Men are born and remain free and equal in rights”
Why: Article 1 of the 1789 Declaration states: "Men are born and remain free and equal in rights."
See the official questionIn French: L'article 4 de la Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen affirme que "la liberté consiste à pouvoir faire tout ce qui ne nuit pas à autrui". Qu'est-ce que cela signifie ?
The correct answer: That each person’s freedom stops where it harms others
Why: One is free to act as long as one does not harm others. The limits of liberty are set by law.
See the official questionIn French: Que sont les droits fondamentaux ?
The correct answer: Essential rights guaranteed to every person
Why: Fundamental rights, such as liberty, equality and dignity, are guaranteed to everyone by the Constitution and treaties.
See the official questionIn French: Concernant les droits individuels, quelle proposition est correcte ?
The correct answer: They apply to everyone who lives in France
Why: Individual rights, such as freedom or equality before the law, protect everyone in France, whatever their nationality.
See the official questionIn French: Lequel de ces droits est un droit fondamental ?
The correct answer: Freedom of expression
Why: Freedom of expression is a fundamental right guaranteed by the 1789 Declaration. The other options are forbidden by law.
See the official questionIn French: Quelle est la langue officielle de la République française ?
The correct answer: French
Why: Article 2 of the Constitution says: “The language of the Republic is French.”
See the official questionIn French: Qu'est-ce que la laïcité ?
The correct answer: The separation of the State and religions
Why: Secularism separates the State and religions. The State is neutral and everyone is free to believe or not to believe.
See the official questionIn French: Que permet le principe de laïcité ?
The correct answer: Believing or not believing, freely
Why: Secularism guarantees freedom of conscience: everyone may have a religion, change it or have none.
See the official questionIn French: Quel droit est garanti par la laïcité ?
The correct answer: Freedom of conscience
Why: Under the 1905 law, the Republic ensures freedom of conscience and guarantees the free exercise of worship.
See the official questionIn French: Que garantit le principe de laïcité ?
The correct answer: Freedom of conscience and the neutrality of the State
Why: Secularism guarantees everyone the freedom to believe or not to believe. The State remains neutral towards all religions.
See the official questionIn French: Que représente la laïcité ?
The correct answer: The neutrality of the State and freedom of conscience
Why: Secularism is the separation of the State and religions. The State is neutral and protects the freedom to believe or not.
See the official questionIn French: Selon le principe de laïcité, que signifie la neutralité de l’État ?
The correct answer: The State favours no religion
Why: The Republic does not recognise, pay or subsidise any religion. It treats all beliefs in the same way.
See the official questionIn French: Quelle institution française doit rester neutre en matière de religion ?
The correct answer: The state school
Why: The Republic is secular: the State and public services, such as state schools, must remain neutral towards all religions.
See the official questionIn French: Qui doit respecter le principe de neutralité religieuse dans une préfecture ?
The correct answer: The staff who work at the préfecture
Why: Public servants must be neutral and must not show their religion at work. Users, however, remain free.
See the official questionIn French: La laïcité impose-t-elle aux agents publics d'être neutres vis-à-vis des usagers ?
The correct answer: Yes, they must be neutral and treat everyone in the same way
Why: In their work, public servants have a duty of neutrality. They treat all users equally.
See the official questionIn French: Qui doit respecter et veiller à la neutralité religieuse dans les services publics ?
The correct answer: Public service staff in their work
Why: Public servants must be neutral: they do not show their religious opinions at work and treat all users in the same way.
See the official questionIn French: Que peut faire un usager du service public dans une mairie ?
The correct answer: Be received and treated like all other users
Why: Public servants must treat all users equally. A user cannot choose an official based on their sex or religion.
See the official questionIn French: Une personne peut-elle changer librement de religion ?
The correct answer: Yes, it is a guaranteed freedom
Why: Freedom of thought and religion includes the freedom to change one’s religion or belief. No one can forbid it.
See the official questionIn French: A-t-on le droit de changer de religion ?
The correct answer: Yes, it is a fundamental freedom
Why: Freedom of religion includes the right to change one’s religion or belief. No one can prevent it.
See the official questionIn French: Une personne peut-elle changer librement de religion en France ?
The correct answer: Yes, freedom of religion includes the right to change it
Why: Freedom of conscience allows people to believe, not to believe or to change religion. It is a free, personal choice.
See the official questionIn French: Une personne a-t-elle le droit de ne pas croire en une religion ?
The correct answer: Yes, freedom of conscience also protects those who do not believe
Why: Freedom of conscience allows one to believe or not to believe. No one has to declare their religion or lack of religion.
See the official questionIn French: Quelle liberté permet à une personne de ne pas avoir de religion ?
The correct answer: Freedom of conscience
Why: Freedom of conscience allows people to believe, not to believe or to change religion. The Republic guarantees it.
See the official questionIn French: Quelle liberté permet à une personne de croire en la religion de son choix ?
The correct answer: Freedom of conscience
Why: Freedom of conscience allows everyone to believe in the religion of their choice, to change it or to have none. The Republic guarantees it.
See the official questionIn French: Tous les citoyens français ont-ils une religion ?
The correct answer: No, everyone is free to believe or not to believe
Why: The Republic guarantees freedom of conscience. One may have a religion or not, and the State does not ask people their religion.
See the official questionIn French: Une personne déclare ne croire en aucun dieu. On peut dire :
The correct answer: They are an atheist
Why: An atheist does not believe in any god. In France, freedom of conscience also protects the right not to believe.
See the official questionIn French: Concernant la pratique de la religion, quelle proposition est correcte ?
The correct answer: Everyone may practise their religion, provided they respect public order
Why: The free exercise of worship is guaranteed, with limits for public order. No religious rule is above the law.
See the official questionIn French: En France, il est possible pour l'État de financer :
The correct answer: Chaplaincy services in prisons and hospitals
Why: The 1905 law forbids subsidising religions, but allows paying for chaplaincies so that worship is possible in prisons or hospitals.
See the official questionIn French: Pourquoi le principe de laïcité doit-il être respecté à l'école ?
The correct answer: To protect pupils’ freedom of conscience
Why: State schools are neutral. Pupils are protected from any religious or political pressure and can form their own opinions.
See the official questionIn French: À l'école publique, qui peut porter des signes religieux très visibles ?
The correct answer: No one: neither pupils nor teachers
Why: In state primary and secondary schools, conspicuous religious symbols are forbidden for pupils. Teachers must remain neutral.
See the official questionIn French: Quel symbole religieux peut être porté dans une école publique dans le respect de la laïcité ?
The correct answer: A small, discreet religious pendant
Why: Since 2004, pupils in public schools may not wear conspicuous religious symbols. Discreet symbols are still allowed.
See the official questionIn French: Qu'est ce qui est interdit par la Charte de la laïcité à l'école ?
The correct answer: Refusing a lesson on the grounds of one’s religious beliefs
Why: The Charter states that no pupil may challenge a lesson or refuse a school rule in the name of their religion.
See the official questionIn French: À l'école, la charte de la laïcité permet de :
The correct answer: Explain the meaning and rules of secularism to pupils
Why: Displayed in public schools since 2013, the charter explains secularism, its rules and the freedoms it guarantees to pupils.
See the official questionIn French: Le principe d’égalité signifie que :
The correct answer: the law is the same for everyone, regardless of origin or sex
Why: The Republic ensures the equality of all citizens before the law, without distinction of origin, race or religion.
See the official questionIn French: Qu’est-ce que l’égalité ?
The correct answer: All citizens have the same rights and the same duties
Why: “Men are born and remain free and equal in rights.” The law is the same for everyone.
See the official questionIn French: Certains métiers peuvent-ils être réservés aux hommes ?
The correct answer: No, jobs are open to women and men alike
Why: The law forbids an employer from choosing an employee on the basis of sex. Women and men have access to the same jobs.
See the official questionIn French: Un employeur refuse d’embaucher des femmes dans son entreprise. Que dit la loi ?
The correct answer: It is discrimination, which is forbidden and punished
Why: Refusing to hire someone because of their sex is discrimination. It is forbidden by the Labour Code and punished by the Criminal Code.
See the official questionIn French: Que fait l’État pour lutter contre les discriminations ?
The correct answer: It forbids it by law and punishes it
Why: The law forbids treating someone less favourably because of their origin, sex, religion or disability. Offenders can be punished.
See the official questionIn French: Dans le cadre d'un entretien d'embauche, que peut-on demander au candidat ?
The correct answer: Questions about their skills and professional experience
Why: Questions must be directly linked to the job. Asking about religion, opinions or family plans is discriminatory.
See the official questionIn French: A-t-on le droit d'insulter publiquement quelqu’un parce qu’il est différent (handicap, apparence physique, sexe…) ?
The correct answer: No, it is an offence punishable by law
Why: Publicly insulting someone because of their sex, disability or origin is an offence. The penalty can be up to one year in prison.
See the official questionIn French: Quel terme désigne précisément la haine ou les préjugés contre les Juifs ?
The correct answer: Antisemitism
Why: Antisemitism means hatred of or prejudice against Jews. Antisemitic remarks and acts are punished by law.
See the official questionIn French: En tant que parent, peut-on refuser que son enfant participe aux cours de sport à l'école car ils sont mixtes ?
The correct answer: No, these lessons are compulsory for all pupils
Why: Physical education is one of the compulsory lessons. A lesson cannot be refused for religious reasons.
See the official questionIn French: Une femme majeure de nationalité française a-t-elle le droit de voter aux élections ?
The correct answer: Yes, like any adult French citizen, man or woman
Why: All adult French citizens of both sexes are voters. Women have had the right to vote in France since 1944.
See the official questionIn French: Que signifie la dignité humaine ?
The correct answer: Every person must be respected and cannot be treated as an object
Why: Human dignity means that every human being has equal worth. The law forbids any attack on a person's dignity.
See the official questionIn French: Quelle situation est une atteinte à la dignité humaine ?
The correct answer: Making a person work without pay in degrading conditions
Why: Forcing a vulnerable person into unpaid work or degrading conditions violates their dignity. It is punished by the Criminal Code.
See the official questionIn French: En quoi consiste la traite des êtres humains ?
The correct answer: Recruiting, transporting or housing a person in order to exploit them
Why: Human trafficking means recruiting, transporting or housing a person in order to exploit them (forced labour, prostitution…). It is a serious offence, punishable by seven years in prison, and by heavier penalties in aggravated cases.
See the official questionIn French: Que signifie la liberté ?
The correct answer: Being able to do anything that does not harm others
Why: According to the 1789 Declaration, liberty consists in being able to do anything that does not harm others. Its limits are set by law.
See the official questionIn French: Qu'est-ce que la liberté ?
The correct answer: Being able to do anything that does not harm others
Why: Liberty means being able to do anything that does not harm others. The law sets the limits of this liberty.
See the official questionIn French: Qu'est-ce qu'une liberté ?
The correct answer: The right to do anything that does not harm others
Why: According to Article 4 of the 1789 Declaration, liberty means being able to do anything that does not harm others. Its limits are set by law.
See the official questionIn French: Quelle liberté permet à chacun d’exprimer ses idées ?
The correct answer: Freedom of expression
Why: Freedom of expression allows everyone to say, write and publish their opinions, within the law.
See the official questionIn French: Qu’est-ce que la liberté d’expression ?
The correct answer: The right to state your opinions, within the law
Why: Everyone can freely express their ideas. But the law punishes abuses, such as defamation, insults or incitement to hatred.
See the official questionIn French: Que garantit la liberté d’expression ?
The correct answer: The right to say and write what you think, within the law
Why: Every citizen may speak, write and publish freely, but must answer for abuses defined by law.
See the official questionIn French: Quelle proposition est correcte ? La liberté d'expression :
The correct answer: is exercised within the limits set by law
Why: Everyone may speak and write freely, but must answer for abuses defined by law, such as insults or incitement to hatred.
See the official questionIn French: Pour quel motif peut-on limiter la liberté d'expression ?
The correct answer: To prevent insults, defamation or calls to hatred
Why: Freedom of expression is guaranteed, but people must answer for its abuses defined by law: insults, defamation, incitement to hatred or violence.
See the official questionIn French: La liberté d'expression sur les réseaux sociaux en France est :
The correct answer: Guaranteed, but limited by law (insults, incitement to hatred)
Why: People can express themselves freely online, but the law punishes insults, defamation and incitement to hatred, as it does elsewhere.
See the official questionIn French: Concernant l'utilisation des réseaux sociaux, quelle proposition est correcte ?
The correct answer: The law also applies online: insults and calls to hatred are punished
Why: The internet is not a lawless zone. Insults, defamation, threats and calls to hatred posted on social media are punished just as anywhere else.
See the official questionIn French: Qu'est-ce que la citoyenneté numérique ?
The correct answer: Using the internet responsibly, respecting the law and other people
Why: Digital citizenship means acting as a responsible citizen online. The law also applies on the internet: insults, harassment and calls to hatred are punished there, and you should check information before sharing it.
See the official questionIn French: À quel âge est la majorité numérique en France ?
The correct answer: 15
Why: The law of 7 July 2023 sets the digital age of majority at 15: it provides that below that age, a parent's consent is needed to sign up to a social network. This rule is not yet applied.
See the official questionIn French: Que garantit la liberté de la presse ?
The correct answer: The right to publish and inform freely, without prior censorship
Why: Freedom of the press allows newspapers to publish freely, without authorisation. But the law punishes defamation and incitement to hatred.
See the official questionIn French: Qu'est-ce que la liberté d'association ?
The correct answer: The right to set up or join an association freely
Why: Everyone may freely create, join or leave an association. No prior authorisation is needed.
See the official questionIn French: Quel est l’un des rôles des associations ?
The correct answer: Bringing people together to act jointly for a cause
Why: An association brings people together around a shared, non-profit project: sport, culture, solidarity, etc.
See the official questionIn French: Parmi les propositions suivantes, laquelle constitue une participation citoyenne ?
The correct answer: Volunteering in an association
Why: Taking part in community life means, for example, voting, getting involved in an association or helping one’s neighbours.
See the official questionIn French: Que signifie le droit de manifester ?
The correct answer: Being able to express your ideas as a group in public places, peacefully
Why: Demonstrating means expressing an opinion together in the street. A demonstration must be peaceful and declared in advance to the prefecture or town hall.
See the official questionIn French: Qu'est-ce que le droit de grève ?
The correct answer: Employees’ right to stop work together to defend their demands
Why: A strike is a collective stoppage of work to support professional demands. It is a right guaranteed by the Constitution, within the framework of the law.
See the official questionIn French: À quoi sert le droit de grève ?
The correct answer: To defend your professional interests by stopping work
Why: A strike is a collective work stoppage to support professional demands, such as pay. It is exercised within the framework of the law.
See the official questionIn French: La liberté de circulation permet à toute personne de :
The correct answer: move freely within the country
Why: Freedom of movement allows one to move freely within France, while respecting the law and the rights of others.
See the official questionIn French: Que permet la liberté de circulation ?
The correct answer: Moving around and settling freely within the country
Why: Freedom of movement allows people to come and go and to choose where to live. In the EU, European citizens also move freely.
See the official questionIn French: En application de la liberté individuelle, quelle proposition est correcte ? Une personne peut :
The correct answer: freely choose the person they marry
Why: There is no marriage without the free consent of both spouses. Forced marriage is forbidden and punished.
See the official questionIn French: Quel droit protège une personne contre une arrestation arbitraire ?
The correct answer: The right to security (droit à la sûreté)
Why: The right to security protects against arbitrary arrest: no one may be arrested or detained except in cases provided for by law.
See the official questionIn French: Concernant les limites aux libertés individuelles, quelle proposition est correcte ?
The correct answer: The law can limit freedoms to protect the rights of others
Why: Freedom means being able to do anything that does not harm others. Only the law can set its limits.
See the official questionIn French: Pourquoi les libertés individuelles peuvent-elles être limitées ?
The correct answer: To protect public order and the rights of others
Why: Freedoms can be limited by law so as not to harm others and to maintain public order, such as safety.
See the official questionIn French: Au nom de quoi l'État justifie-t-il la restriction des droits ?
The correct answer: Public order
Why: The State can limit certain rights to protect public order: public safety, peace and health.
See the official questionIn French: L'État peut-il limiter les droits et libertés ?
The correct answer: Yes, by law, to protect public order or the rights of others
Why: Freedom ends where the freedom of others begins. Only the law can set limits, for example to protect public order, under the supervision of judges.
See the official questionIn French: Quel exemple illustre une limitation de liberté pour protéger l'intérêt général ?
The correct answer: Speed limits on the roads
Why: You cannot drive as fast as you want. This limit on freedom of movement protects everyone's life: it serves the general interest.
See the official questionIn French: Concernant le droit de se marier, quelle proposition est correcte ?
The correct answer: Everyone freely chooses the person they marry
Why: Marriage requires the free consent of both spouses. Forced marriage is forbidden. Since 2013, two people of the same sex can marry.
See the official questionIn French: Est-il toujours possible de divorcer ?
The correct answer: Yes, either spouse can apply for divorce
Why: In France, divorce is a right. Both husband and wife can request it, even if the other spouse does not agree.
See the official questionIn French: La répudiation de sa femme est :
The correct answer: forbidden: only death or a divorce granted by law ends a marriage
Why: In France, marriage ends by death or by a divorce granted under the law. Repudiation has no legal value.
See the official questionIn French: En France, est-ce légal d'être marié à plusieurs personnes en même temps ?
The correct answer: No, polygamy is forbidden and punishable by law
Why: In France, you cannot marry a second time before your first marriage has ended. Bigamy is a criminal offence.
See the official questionIn French: Est-ce légal d'être marié à plusieurs personnes en même temps ?
The correct answer: No, polygamy is forbidden and punished
Why: One cannot remarry before the first marriage has ended. Bigamy is an offence punishable by one year in prison and a €45,000 fine.
See the official questionIn French: Le recours à l'avortement est-il autorisé ?
The correct answer: Yes, it is a freedom guaranteed by the Constitution
Why: Since 2024, the Constitution has guaranteed women the freedom to have an abortion. The law sets the conditions, such as the 14-week limit.
See the official questionIn French: Une femme peut avorter :
The correct answer: freely, up to the end of the 14th week of pregnancy
Why: In France, any woman can request an abortion until the end of the 14th week of pregnancy. She decides alone, even if she is a minor.
See the official questionIn French: Qui peut demander à avorter ?
The correct answer: Any pregnant woman who does not wish to continue her pregnancy
Why: Any pregnant woman, adult or minor, can request an abortion up to 14 weeks of pregnancy. Since 2024, this freedom has been written into the Constitution.
See the official questionIn French: À quelle liberté la PMA fait-elle référence ?
The correct answer: Freedom to start a family
Why: Medically assisted reproduction (PMA) helps people have a child. Since 2021, it has been open to all women, in a couple or single.
See the official questionIn French: Que signifie PMA ?
The correct answer: Procréation médicalement assistée (medically assisted reproduction)
Why: PMA means medically assisted reproduction: medical techniques that help people have a child. Since 2021, it has been open to female couples and single women.
See the official questionIn French: Quel est l'âge de la majorité civile en France ?
The correct answer: 18
Why: In France, the age of majority is 18. At this age, you can vote and carry out legal acts on your own.
See the official questionIn French: La vente d'alcool en France est interdite aux personnes de moins de :
The correct answer: 18
Why: It is forbidden to sell or offer alcohol to minors, that is, to people under 18.
See the official questionIn French: Dans lequel de ces endroits est-on autorisé à fumer ?
The correct answer: In your own home
Why: Smoking is banned in enclosed places open to the public, on public transport and, since 2025, in parks and on beaches. At home, it is allowed.
See the official questionIn French: Quelle obligation concerne toutes les personnes résidant en France quelle que soit leur nationalité ?
The correct answer: Obeying French law
Why: Laws on policing and safety apply to everyone living in France. Voting, the Defence and Citizenship Day and jury duty concern French citizens.
See the official questionIn French: Quel est l'un des devoirs principaux d'un citoyen français ?
The correct answer: Respecting the laws of the Republic
Why: Every citizen must obey the law. They must also pay their taxes and help defend the country if necessary.
See the official questionIn French: Quelle proposition constitue une obligation ?
The correct answer: Paying your taxes
Why: Everyone must contribute to public expenses according to their means by paying taxes. In France, voting is a right, not an obligation.
See the official questionIn French: Les impôts permettent de financer les dépenses publiques. Quelle proposition est correcte ?
The correct answer: Everyone contributes according to their means
Why: The common contribution must be shared among all citizens according to their means. Taxes fund schools, hospitals, roads, etc.
See the official questionIn French: En France, les impôts permettent de financer les dépenses publiques. Quelle proposition est correcte ?
The correct answer: They fund public services such as schools, the police and the justice system
Why: Taxes are a common contribution. They pay for public services that benefit everyone: schools, police, justice, roads.
See the official questionIn French: Déclarer ses revenus aux services fiscaux est :
The correct answer: An obligation every year
Why: Every year, people whose tax residence is in France must declare their income, even if it is low.
See the official questionIn French: Est-ce obligatoire de déclarer ses impôts chaque année en France ?
The correct answer: Yes, even if you do not pay any tax
Why: Every year, adults living in France who are no longer part of their parents' tax household must declare their income, even if they owe no tax.
See the official questionIn French: En quoi consiste le devoir de solidarité ?
The correct answer: Contributing to shared costs and helping those in difficulty
Why: Solidarity means contributing to shared costs (taxes, social contributions) and helping people in difficulty or in danger.
See the official questionIn French: Un enfant peut-il refuser d’aller à l’école pour une raison religieuse ?
The correct answer: No, education is compulsory from age 3 to 16
Why: In France, education is compulsory for all children aged 3 to 16. Religion does not allow anyone to avoid it.
See the official questionIn French: Être juré d'assises est :
The correct answer: A civic obligation for citizens drawn by lot
Why: Jurors are drawn by lot from the electoral rolls. Refusing without a serious reason can be punished by a €3,750 fine.
See the official questionIn French: Que doit faire un citoyen s'il est appelé à être juré dans un procès d'assises ?
The correct answer: They must serve, unless they have a serious reason accepted by the court
Why: Serving as a juror is a civic duty. A juror who is absent without a legitimate reason can be fined €3,750.
See the official questionIn French: Qui peut être appelé à faire partie d’un jury d’assises en France ?
The correct answer: A French citizen aged at least 23, drawn by lot from the electoral rolls
Why: Assize court jurors are citizens drawn by lot from the electoral rolls. You must be French, at least 23 years old, and able to read and write French.
See the official questionIn French: Que doit faire une personne en cas d’accident ?
The correct answer: Call the emergency services (15, 17, 18 or 112) and help if possible
Why: In an accident, you must call the emergency services and help the victims without putting yourself in danger. Failing to help is punishable by law.
See the official questionIn French: Quel est un exemple d’assistance à personne en danger ?
The correct answer: Calling the emergency services for an injured person
Why: Everyone must help a person in danger, without putting themselves at risk, at least by calling emergency services (15, 17, 18 or 112). Doing nothing is an offence.
See the official questionIn French: Est-il obligatoire de porter secours à une personne en danger ?
The correct answer: Yes, if you can act without danger to yourself or others
Why: Failing to help a person in danger when one can do so without risk is an offence. One can at least call emergency services (15, 17, 18, 112).
See the official questionIn French: Que doit faire une victime de violences ?
The correct answer: Call 17 or file a complaint, and get help
Why: A victim of violence can call 17, file a complaint at a police or gendarmerie station and get support, for example through 3919.
See the official questionIn French: Quelle est l’attitude à avoir lorsque qu'on est témoin de violences ?
The correct answer: Alert the police or emergency services, without putting yourself in danger
Why: When witnessing violence, you must alert the police (17) or emergency services (112). You can also call 3919 for violence against women or 119 for a child.
See the official questionIn French: Faut-il réduire ses déchets ?
The correct answer: Yes, everyone must protect the environment
Why: The Environmental Charter states that everyone has a duty to preserve the environment. Reducing waste is part of this.
See the official questionIn French: Comment peut-on réduire ses déchets ?
The correct answer: By avoiding unnecessary packaging and reusing things
Why: To reduce waste, you can buy less packaging, repair, reuse and sort. Burning waste in the open air is forbidden.
See the official questionIn French: Parmi ces actions, laquelle permet d'adopter une attitude respectueuse de l’environnement ?
The correct answer: Sorting your waste
Why: Everyone has a duty to protect the environment. Sorting your waste allows it to be recycled and reduces pollution.
See the official questionIn French: Pourquoi doit-on trier ses déchets ?
The correct answer: To allow recycling and protect the environment
Why: Sorting allows glass, paper and plastic to be recycled. This reduces waste, pollution and the use of natural resources.
See the official questionIn French: S'agissant des déchets, quelle proposition est correcte ?
The correct answer: It must be sorted and put in the bins or places provided
Why: Everyone is responsible for their own waste. It must be sorted and placed in the bins or taken to a recycling centre. Burning it outdoors or dumping it is forbidden.
See the official questionIn French: Jeter une bouteille dans la rue est :
The correct answer: forbidden and punishable by a fine
Why: Throwing litter in the street is forbidden everywhere in France. It is punishable by a fine.
See the official questionIn French: Jeter un mégot par terre est :
The correct answer: an offence punishable by a fine
Why: Throwing a cigarette butt or any litter on the ground is forbidden. It is a minor offence: you risk a fixed fine of 135 euros.
See the official questionIn French: Déposer une machine à laver cassée sur le trottoir est :
The correct answer: forbidden: you must take it to the recycling centre (déchetterie)
Why: Leaving an item on the pavement is illegal dumping, punishable by a fine. You must take it to a recycling centre or request a bulky-waste collection.
See the official questionIn French: Que prévoit la Charte de l'environnement ?
The correct answer: Everyone’s right to live in a healthy and balanced environment
Why: The Environmental Charter is part of the Constitution. It states that everyone has the right to live in a balanced environment that respects health.
See the official questionIn French: À quoi sert un titre de séjour ?
The correct answer: Proving that a foreign national lives in France lawfully
Why: A residence permit allows a foreign national to live in France lawfully, for a given period.
See the official questionIn French: Que permet la citoyenneté française ?
The correct answer: Vote and stand in all elections
Why: French citizenship gives the right to vote from age 18 and to stand for election. You can be a candidate in most elections from 18, but you must be 24 to become a senator.
See the official questionIn French: Que signifie être citoyen d'un État ?
The correct answer: Having its nationality, with rights and duties
Why: Being a citizen means having the nationality of a State. It gives rights, such as voting, and duties, such as obeying the law.
See the official questionIn French: Pour obtenir une carte d'identité, il faut :
The correct answer: Be of French nationality
Why: The national identity card is only for French nationals. A French minor can also have one.
See the official questionIn French: Qu'est-ce qu'une infraction ?
The correct answer: An act forbidden by law and punishable by a penalty
Why: An offence is behaviour that is forbidden and punished by law. There are three types: minor offence, misdemeanour and serious crime.
See the official questionIn French: Que risque une personne qui ne respecte pas la loi ?
The correct answer: A penalty, such as a fine or a prison sentence
Why: A person who breaks the law can be sanctioned by the courts: a fine, community service or prison.
See the official questionIn French: Quelle est l'infraction la plus grave ?
The correct answer: A crime (crime)
Why: Offences are ranked by seriousness: minor offence, misdemeanour, then crime. A crime is the most serious, such as murder or rape.
See the official questionIn French: Quelle proposition représente un exemple de crime ?
The correct answer: A murder
Why: Crimes are the most serious offences. Murder is a crime punishable by 30 years' imprisonment and tried by the assize court.
See the official questionIn French: Quelle proposition représente un exemple de délit ?
The correct answer: Shoplifting
Why: Theft is a délit, tried by the criminal court and punishable by up to 3 years in prison. Murder and rape are crimes; illegal parking is a minor offence.
See the official questionIn French: En France, la conduite sans permis d'une moto est :
The correct answer: An offence punishable by prison and a fine
Why: Riding a motorbike without the corresponding licence is an offence: up to 1 year in prison and a €15,000 fine.
See the official questionIn French: Le non-respect du code de la route est :
The correct answer: An offence that can be punished by a fine or the loss of licence points
Why: The Highway Code is a law that everyone must obey. Breaking it is an offence: a fine, loss of licence points, and sometimes prison.
See the official questionIn French: Lequel de ces crimes ou délits peut entrainer la privation des droits civils et politiques par un juge ?
The correct answer: Electoral fraud
Why: A judge can remove civic rights (voting, standing for election) for a serious crime or offence, such as electoral fraud. A minor traffic fine does not allow this.
See the official questionIn French: Une personne est privée de ses droits civils et politiques pendant 5 ans suite à une condamnation. Parmi ces propositions laquelle est correcte ? Pendant 5 ans,...
The correct answer: they can neither vote nor stand for election
Why: Losing civic rights means in particular losing the right to vote and the right to be elected. For an offence (délit), it can last up to 5 years.
See the official questionIn French: Quel est le rôle de la police ?
The correct answer: Protecting people and property and enforcing the law
Why: The police protect people and property, maintain public order and enforce the law, mainly in cities.
See the official questionIn French: Quel est le rôle de la gendarmerie ?
The correct answer: Ensuring security, especially in rural and suburban areas
Why: The gendarmerie is a military force that ensures the safety of people and property, mainly in the countryside and small towns.
See the official questionIn French: Qui veille au maintien de l’ordre public ?
The correct answer: The police and the gendarmerie
Why: The national police and the national gendarmerie ensure security and maintain public order. They come under the Ministry of the Interior.
See the official questionIn French: Que doit-on faire face aux ordres des policiers ou gendarmes ?
The correct answer: Comply with them, and challenge them afterwards through legal channels if need be
Why: You must obey the lawful orders of police officers and gendarmes. Violent resistance is an offence. If you disagree, you can file a complaint afterwards.
See the official questionIn French: Quel droit permet à une personne de se défendre devant la justice ?
The correct answer: The rights of the defence, including the right to a lawyer
Why: The rights of the defence allow anyone to defend themselves in court, in particular with the help of a lawyer.
See the official questionIn French: Suite à une interpellation par la police, il est possible de :
The correct answer: Ask for the assistance of a lawyer
Why: In police custody, a person has rights: to be assisted by a lawyer, to see a doctor, to have a relative informed and to remain silent.
See the official questionAnswers: 1 B · 2 A · 3 C · 4 C · 5 B · 6 A · 7 C · 8 B · 9 C · 10 A
Questions come from the official lists of the French Ministry of the Interior: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr (multi-year card, resident card) and immigration.interieur.gouv.fr (naturalisation). Each question page gives its own sources. The options, answers, translations, explanations and illustrations are written by Recite.
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