Sample Questions for the 2026 French Civic Exam (with Answers)
On exam day, you will have 40 multiple-choice questions to complete in 45 minutes, with a passing threshold of 80%. Here are 10 sample questions, covering the 5 official themes, with the answer and explanation for each. They are drawn from the 678 questions in the Citoyen app.
1. What is the date of the French national holiday?
- a) May 8
- b) November 11
- c) July 14
- d) May 1
See the answer
Answer: c) July 14. The national holiday is celebrated every year on July 14, in memory of the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a symbol of the beginning of the French Revolution. July 14 embodies the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
2. What right is guaranteed by secularism?
- a) Equality between women and men
- b) Freedom of expression in the media
- c) Freedom of religion or belief
- d) The right to vote in political elections
See the answer
Answer: c) Freedom of religion or belief. According to the law of December 9, 1905, on the separation of Churches and State, everyone is free to practice the religion of their choice or to believe in no religion. The State remains neutral regarding religious beliefs.
3. Who votes on the laws?
- a) The Council of State
- b) The President of the Republic
- c) The Parliament
- d) The Constitutional Council
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Answer: c) The Parliament. According to the 1958 Constitution, the Parliament β which includes the National Assembly and the Senate β debates and votes on the laws. The President of the Republic promulgates the law but does not vote on it.
4. For how long are deputies elected?
- a) Six years
- b) Five years
- c) Seven years
- d) Nine years
See the answer
Answer: b) Five years. Deputies are elected for a renewable five-year term, according to Article 25 of the 1958 Constitution. Legislative elections generally take place every five years.
5. The death penalty is:
- a) allowed in certain French regions
- b) abolished in France since 1981
- c) applied only for serious crimes
- d) pronounced by the Constitutional Council
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Answer: b) abolished in France since 1981. The death penalty was abolished by the law of October 9, 1981. Since that date, no death sentence is possible, regardless of the crime.
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6. Which of these rights is a fundamental right?
- a) The duty to pay taxes
- b) The obligation to vote in every election
- c) The license to drive a vehicle
- d) The right to freedom of expression
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Answer: d) The right to freedom of expression. Freedom of expression is guaranteed by the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen of 1789 and by the Constitution. It allows everyone to express their opinions freely, within the limits of the law.
7. Who founded the Fifth Republic?
- a) Emmanuel Macron
- b) The National Assembly
- c) Charles de Gaulle
- d) Napoleon Bonaparte
See the answer
Answer: c) Charles de Gaulle. The Fifth Republic was founded in 1958 by Charles de Gaulle after a severe political crisis. The 1958 Constitution strengthened the executive power and marks the beginning of the current regime.
8. Which city is a major seaport?
- a) Strasbourg
- b) Lyon
- c) Le Havre
- d) Toulouse
See the answer
Answer: c) Le Havre. Located on the English Channel, Le Havre is one of the largest seaports in France and plays a major economic role in international trade. Strasbourg, Lyon, and Toulouse are inland cities.
9. Until what age is school compulsory?
- a) Until the end of primary school
- b) Until obtaining the brevet
- c) Until 16 years old
- d) Until 18 years old
See the answer
Answer: c) Until 16 years old. Education is compulsory for all children from 3 to 16 years old, whether in public, private school, or home schooling. After 16, schooling is no longer mandatory.
10. What is the legal duration of the workweek?
- a) 48 hours per week
- b) 24 hours per week
- c) 39 hours per week
- d) 35 hours per week
See the answer
Answer: d) 35 hours per week. The legal duration of full-time work is 35 hours per week since the 2000 law known as the "Aubry law". Beyond that, the hours worked are overtime.
Looking for a free PDF of questions?
Many candidates look for a "PDF of 40 questions" to study. The problem with a PDF: no interactive correction, no timer, no progress tracking β and often questions that do not follow the official syllabus. An online training under real conditions prepares much better for the exam format.
To understand the full exam process (registration, pricing, themes), check out the complete guide to the 2026 French civic exam.
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