Principles and values of the Republic: French civic exam 2026 questions
The motto, the symbols, secularism (laïcité), equality between women and men: this theme checks that you know the foundations of the Republic. It is one of the two heaviest themes on the exam.
The theme "Principles and values of the Republic" 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
- 16 practice questions on this theme
1.What is the motto of the French Republic?
- a.Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
- b.Liberty, Security, Prosperity
- c.Unity, Work, Homeland
- d.Equality, Solidarity, Secularism
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Correct answer: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
The motto of the French Republic is 'Liberty, Equality, Fraternity'. It appears in Article 2 of the Constitution.
Reference: Constitution, art. 2
2.What principle guarantees the separation of religion and the State in France?
- a.Secularism (laïcité)
- b.Tolerance
- c.Pluralism
- d.Fiscal neutrality
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Correct answer: Secularism (laïcité)
Secularism (laïcité) guarantees the separation of religion and the State. It was established by the 1905 law and enshrined in Article 1 of the Constitution.
Reference: Loi de 1905 ; Constitution, art. 1
3.What is the national anthem of France?
- a.La Marseillaise
- b.Le Chant des partisans
- c.La Marche républicaine
- d.Ode to Joy
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Correct answer: La Marseillaise
The national anthem is 'La Marseillaise', mentioned in Article 2 of the Constitution.
Reference: Constitution, art. 2
4.What are the three colours of the French flag?
- a.Blue, white, red
- b.Blue, white, green
- c.Red, white, black
- d.Blue, yellow, red
5.Which allegorical figure represents the French Republic?
- a.Marianne
- b.Joan of Arc
- c.Liberty
- d.Athena
6.France is a Republic that is…
- a.indivisible, secular, democratic and social
- b.federal and denominational
- c.monarchical and parliamentary
- d.regional and autonomous
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Correct answer: indivisible, secular, democratic and social
Article 1 of the Constitution states that France is an indivisible, secular, democratic and social Republic.
Reference: Constitution, art. 1
7.What is commemorated on 8 May in France?
- a.The Allied victory in 1945, end of WWII in Europe
- b.The 1918 armistice
- c.Labour Day
- d.The storming of the Bastille
8.What does 11 November commemorate?
- a.The 1918 armistice, end of WWI
- b.The 1945 victory
- c.The 1789 Revolution
- d.The national day
9.What does freedom of conscience guarantee?
- a.To believe or not believe, and to change religion
- b.The right to vote at 16
- c.The right to travel abroad
- d.Free transport
10.The principle of equality means that…
- a.All citizens are equal before the law
- b.All citizens have the same salary
- c.All citizens have the same religion
- d.All citizens live in the same region
11.Secularism requires public-service staff to observe…
- a.Religious neutrality
- b.Practising a religion
- c.Wearing a religious symbol
- d.Praying at work
12.The principle of fraternity implies…
- a.Solidarity between people
- b.An obligation to have a religion
- c.The right not to pay taxes
- d.Closing the borders
13.Equality between women and men means they have…
- a.The same rights
- b.The same opinions
- c.The same religion
- d.The same employer
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Correct answer: The same rights
Women and men have the same rights in all areas (voting, work, family). Equality is a constitutional principle.
Reference: Constitution, Préambule
14.What does freedom of expression allow?
- a.Expressing one's opinions within the law
- b.Saying anything without limit
- c.Insulting others freely
- d.Escaping justice
15.Which animal is a traditional emblem of France?
- a.The rooster
- b.The eagle
- c.The lion
- d.The bull
16.Freedom of worship means that everyone can…
- a.Practise the religion of their choice or none at all
- b.Impose their religion on others
- c.Refuse to obey the law
- d.Not work
The other exam themes
- Rights and duties
- 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
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