Life in the UK Test chapter 1: The values and principles of the UK

Is chapter 1 in the test?

No. The questions in the Life in the UK Test come from chapters 2 to 5 of the handbook. Chapter 1 is not examined, but it explains the ideas behind the rest of the book, and it is worth a 15-minute read because it helps you understand why the later chapters say what they do.

The fundamental principles

The handbook describes the fundamental principles of British life as:

• Democracy: people choose who governs them through free and fair elections.
• The rule of law: everyone, including the government, must obey the law, and the law applies to everyone equally.
• Individual liberty: people are free to live their lives as they choose, within the law.
• Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs: and respect for other people's rights.
• Participation in community life: taking part in society, for example by volunteering, joining a group or voting.

Becoming a permanent resident or citizen

The chapter explains that people who settle in the UK are expected to respect these principles, and it describes the pledge new citizens make at a citizenship ceremony: to be loyal to the United Kingdom, respect its rights and freedoms, uphold its democratic values, obey its laws and fulfil the duties and obligations of a citizen.

How to study it

Read it once, quickly. The same ideas return in chapter 5 (government, the law and your role), where they are tested in more detail.

Quick questions