Rights and duties: civic knowledge to learn
This guide covers fundamental rights, freedoms and duties in shared life in France.
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Last updated: 3 August 2026
What this theme covers
Rights and duties includes the following topics.
- Fundamental rights
- Duties of people living in France
- Freedom of expression
- Practical situations about rights and duties
Connect rights and responsibility
Understand each right, its protection and the responsibilities that allow others to use it too.
A common misunderstanding
Fundamental freedoms operate within the law. Freedom of expression does not mean every statement or action is free of legal limits.
Practice examples
Exemple d’entraînement — non publié comme question officielle
At what age can you vote in France?
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 21
Correct practice answer: C.
French citizens gain the right to vote at 18. Voting is both a right and a civic duty.
Exemple d’entraînement — non publié comme question officielle
What tax duty do citizens and residents have in France?
- Paying tax only when earning over €100,000 a year
- Declaring and paying taxes under the rules
- Taxes are optional in France
- Only employers pay tax
Correct practice answer: B.
French tax residents must declare income and pay the relevant taxes. This civic duty funds public services such as education, health and security.
Exemple d’entraînement — non publié comme question officielle
What is freedom of expression in France?
- The right to say anything without limits
- The right to express ideas within the law
- The right only to criticise the government
- A right reserved for journalists
Correct practice answer: B.
It is protected but must respect the law. Limits include bans on defamation, insults, inciting racial hatred, denial of historical crimes and encouraging terrorist acts.
What to remember
- Study rights and duties through the topics and sources shown here.
- Question examples and corrections are independent practice content.
- The assessment helps choose your next review topic. Its result is not a government decision.
Official sources and limits
Programme guidance links to public sources registered by Cap Nationalité. Examples, choices and explanations are practice content, not government publications. Cap Nationalité learning guidance
Common questions
Are these examples the exact exam questions?
No. These examples are practice materials. Cap Nationalité does not know unpublished practical-situation questions.
How should I continue after this page?
Take the free assessment to find weaker themes. Then return to sources and the mock exam when ready.