Life in the UK topic guide
British values and principles
Democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, rights and responsibilities, the four nations and their saints and capitals: the values and principles chapter of the Life in the UK test.
The first chapter of the handbook is about the values on which life in the UK is based, and about the rights and responsibilities of people who live here. It is short, and it explains words that come back in the whole test.
The guide covers the five principles, your rights and freedoms (the Human Rights Act, equality law), your responsibilities (the law, tax, jury service) and the ways to take part in community life.
British values and principles
Democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance and taking part in community life: the rights and responsibilities of living in the UK.
What each guide covers
- The fundamental principlesThe handbook names five principles on which British life is based.
- Your rights and freedomsPeople who live in the UK have rights that are protected by law.
- Your responsibilitiesWith rights come responsibilities.
- Taking part in community lifeThere are many ways to take part, and the test asks about a number of them.
Remember for the exam
- Five principles: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance and participation in community life.
- Rights: belief and religion, speech, protection from unfair discrimination, fair trial, joining a union; the Human Rights Act is from 1998.
- Responsibilities: obey the law, pay taxes, serve on a jury, look after your family and the environment.
- Vote at 18; women got the vote in 1918 (over 30) and equally in 1928.
A sample question from the bank
Question: Which of these countries is NOT part of the United Kingdom? Answer: The Republic of Ireland.
Question: Which saint is the patron saint of Wales, celebrated on 1 March? Answer: St David.
Questions people ask
Do I need to learn the dates of the saints’ days?
The handbook gives them: 23 April St George, 30 November St Andrew, 1 March St David and 17 March St Patrick. Knowing which saint belongs to which country is the most useful part.
Is the voting age 18 everywhere in the UK?
For UK general elections it is 18. Some devolved elections allow 16-year-olds, so read the handbook and the question carefully.
What are the fundamental principles of British life?
The handbook names five: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, and participation in community life.
Who can be called for jury service?
People on the electoral register aged 18 to 75 can be called, and it is a legal duty unless you are excused. Jury service is one of the responsibilities of living in the UK.
More guides
Ready to practise?
Study the questions by theme, then take the timed practice exam.