Rights and duties: French civic exam 2026 questions
Fundamental freedoms, the right to vote, taxes, schooling, respect for the law: this theme covers what the Republic guarantees everyone and what it expects in return.
The theme "Rights and duties" accounts for 11 of the 40 questions on the 2026 French civic exam, which you pass with 32 correct answers out of 40 in 45 minutes maximum.
- 11 of the 40 questions on exam day
- 13 practice questions on this theme
1.At what age does one become a legal adult in France?
- a.18
- b.16
- c.21
- d.20
Show the answer
Correct answer: 18
Legal adulthood is set at 18 in France. It grants, among other things, the right to vote.
Reference: Code civil, art. 414
2.In France, schooling is compulsory for children from what age to what age?
- a.From 3 to 16
- b.From 6 to 16
- c.From 3 to 18
- d.From 6 to 14
3.The right to vote in national elections is reserved for people who hold…
- a.French nationality
- b.A residence permit
- c.A job in France
- d.Housing in France
4.Paying one's taxes is…
- a.A duty
- b.An optional choice
- c.A right reserved for the wealthy
- d.An option
Show the answer
Correct answer: A duty
Contributing to public spending by paying taxes is a duty of every citizen and resident.
Reference: Déclaration de 1789, art. 13
5.Respecting the law is…
- a.An obligation for everyone living in France
- b.Reserved for French citizens
- c.Optional for foreigners
- d.Merely advice
6.To be able to vote, a citizen must be registered on…
- a.The electoral rolls
- b.The trade register
- c.The tax list
- d.The family record book
7.The right to strike in France is…
- a.Recognised and protected
- b.Forbidden
- c.Reserved for foreigners
- d.Limited to the private sector only
8.Freedom of the press allows…
- a.Informing and criticising freely, within the law
- b.Publishing with no limits
- c.Never being contradicted
- d.Escaping justice
9.In a criminal trial (cour d'assises), a citizen may be called to judge as a…
- a.Juror
- b.Lawyer
- c.Prosecutor
- d.Clerk
10.Joining a trade union to defend your interests at work is…
- a.A right
- b.An obligation
- c.Forbidden
- d.Reserved for managers
11.Demonstrating peacefully in the street is…
- a.A right, regulated by law
- b.Always forbidden
- c.Reserved for elected officials
- d.Possible with no rules
12.Refusing someone a job because of their origin or religion is…
- a.Forbidden and punished by law (discrimination)
- b.Allowed
- c.Up to the employer
- d.Permitted in the private sector
Show the answer
Correct answer: Forbidden and punished by law (discrimination)
Discrimination based on origin, religion, sex or disability is forbidden and punished by law.
Reference: Code pénal, art. 225-1
13.In France, everyone has the duty to respect…
- a.The law, others, and public property
- b.Only their family
- c.Only people from their region
- d.No rules
The other exam themes
- Principles and values of the Republic
- History, geography and culture
- Institutional and political system
- Living in French society
Our guides to passing the exam
- Official format, pass mark and how it works
- The 5 exam themes, explained
- Situational questions: how to answer them
- Who must take the civic exam?
- Registration, price, centres and results
- Failed the exam? How to retake it
Official sources: Arrêté of 10 October 2025 on the civic exam (Légifrance) · Service-public.gouv.fr: how to take the civic exam · Ministry of the Interior: civic training. Updated on
Check your level for free
Questions in the official format, answered and explained. No sign-up, no credit card.