Short answer: every citizenship test asks about the rights you gain as a citizen (voting, standing for office, freedom of speech and religion, equal treatment and a fair trial) and the responsibilities that come with them (obeying the law, paying tax, jury service, voting and taking part in community life). The wording differs by country, but the ideas are shared by every democracy on this site.
Common rights of citizens
- Voting and standing for election. Citizens can vote in national elections and run for office. In most countries only citizens can vote nationally, which is why tests treat it as the defining right.
- Freedom of speech and expression, within the limits of the law, such as laws against incitement and defamation.
- Freedom of religion, including the freedom to follow no religion, and in France the related principle of secularism (laïcité) in public institutions.
- Equality before the law. The law applies equally to everyone, including government officials; men and women have equal rights.
- A fair trial by an independent court, with the presumption of innocence.
- A passport and consular protection, and the right to live in the country without immigration conditions.
Common responsibilities
- Obeying the law, even when it differs from customs in your country of origin.
- Paying taxes on your income and respecting the rights and property of others.
- Serving on a jury when called, in countries such as the US, Canada, the UK and Australia.
- Voting. In Australia, voting in federal elections is compulsory for citizens aged 18 and over; elsewhere it is a right that tests describe as a responsibility.
- Taking part in community life: helping others, respecting the environment, and in the US registering for Selective Service (men aged 18 to 25) and being willing to defend the country if required.
- Ensuring children attend school, which appears in the Dutch, French and German tests.
How each country frames it
| Country | Where it appears |
|---|---|
| United States | The Bill of Rights, the rights only citizens have (voting, running for federal office) and the duties of citizens, including jury service and Selective Service |
| United Kingdom | The values and principles chapter of the handbook and the “your role” section on voting, jury service and community life |
| Canada | The Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982), the four fundamental freedoms, and citizens’ responsibilities including jury duty and voting |
| Australia | Australian values: you must answer all 5 values questions correctly, plus the responsibilities and privileges section |
| Germany | Basic rights in the Grundgesetz, starting with human dignity (Article 1), and the duties of residents |
| France | The Republic’s motto, secularism (laïcité), equality between women and men, and rights and duties |
| Netherlands | The KNM theme on manners, values and norms, and on government and the rule of law |
Typical questions
Expect questions such as: What is one right only citizens have? What is one responsibility that is only for citizens? What does freedom of religion mean? Which document protects fundamental rights? Is voting compulsory? What should you do if you are called for jury service? Most are answered by common sense once you know the country’s vocabulary: Bill of Rights, Charter, Grundgesetz, laïcité, Australian values.
How to study this topic
Learn the name and date of the document that guarantees rights in your country, the handful of rights that belong only to citizens, and the two or three duties the official guide stresses. Then practise with the rights and values questions in your country’s practice test. Questions on values and responsibilities are often the easiest to answer through common sense, but read them carefully. A single word like “never” or “only” can change the answer, and in Australia one wrong values answer fails the whole test.
Related guides
- How to Prepare for a Citizenship Test: A Step-by-Step Plan – A practical six-step plan to go from your first look at the official guide to test…
- Is the Citizenship Test Multiple Choice? Format of Every Official Test – Most citizenship tests are multiple choice, but the US test is oral and Canada and Spain…
- Which Citizenship Test Is the Hardest? All 15 Official Tests Ranked – Denmark and France have the hardest citizenship tests by the official rules (80% pass marks, values…
- How to Study Citizenship Questions So You Actually Remember Them – Spaced repetition, testing yourself and learning the reason behind each answer. Simple techniques that make facts…