Civic exam topic guide
Principles and values of the Republic
Liberty, equality, fraternity, laïcité, equality between women and men and the symbols of the Republic: the values theme of the French civic exam, with a real practice question.
The values of the Republic are the foundation of the whole exam: liberty, equality, fraternity and laïcité. They appear in the knowledge questions and they are the key to the situation questions.
The guide explains the motto, laïcité and the law of 1905, the symbols (the flag, La Marseillaise, Marianne, 14 July) and the equality between women and men and the fight against discrimination.
The principles and values of the French Republic
Liberty, equality, fraternity, laïcité, the symbols of France and the idea of a Republic that is one and shared by all.
What each guide covers
- Liberty, Equality, Fraternity“Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité” is the motto of the French Republic.
- Laïcité: the secular StateLaïcité is one of the most important and most asked ideas.
- The symbols of the RepublicThe Republic has several official symbols.
- Equality between women and men, and against discriminationEquality is a value of the Republic and a question topic that comes up in every kind of situation: school, work, the family, the street.
Remember for the exam
- Motto: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité. France is an indivisible, secular, democratic and social Republic (Article 1).
- Laïcité = neutrality of the State and freedom of conscience; the law of 1905 separated Churches and State.
- Symbols: tricolour flag, La Marseillaise, Marianne, 14 July.
- Women and men are equal; discrimination, forced marriage and violence are forbidden.
A sample question from the bank
Question : Que signifie le principe de laïcité en France ? Réponse : L’État est neutre et sépare les Églises de l’État, en garantissant la liberté de conscience. (What does laïcité mean?)
Question : En quelle année a été votée la loi de séparation des Églises et de l’État ? Réponse : 1905.
Questions people ask
Does laïcité forbid religion?
No. It protects freedom of conscience and requires the State to be neutral. Public schools and civil servants follow specific rules.
Which date is the national day?
14 July.
What is the motto of the Republic?
“Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité”. It comes from the Revolution and is in Article 2 of the Constitution. Article 1 says that France is an indivisible, secular, democratic and social Republic.
Does laïcité forbid religion?
No. It protects the freedom to believe or not to believe, and it asks the State and the public services to be neutral. It limits religious signs in public schools and for civil servants at work, not private belief.
More guides
Ready to practise?
Study the questions by theme, then take the timed practice exam.