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What does laïcité represent in France?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: A principle of the Constitution, not an opinion. Laïcité is a principle of the Constitution. It is not an opinion. It separates the State from religions. Source: the Ministry of the Interior sheet “La définition de la laïcité (1/2)” (in French).
Sources: Sheet “La définition de la laïcité (1/2)” (French), read on 21 October 2026. Answer written by Hexaciv from this source. Hexaciv is an independent preparation tool. It is not an official website, is not linked to any government body and does not give legal advice. The authoritative source is the Ministry of the Interior's, cited on this page.
The four choices and why
- ✓ A principle of the Constitution, not an opinionUn principe de la Constitution, pas une opinionCorrect answer. Laïcité is a principle of the Constitution. It is not an opinion. It separates the State from religions.
- ✗ A religion that the State imposes on everyoneUne religion que l'État impose à tousThere is no State religion.
- ✗ A law that forbids believing in a religion in FranceUne loi qui interdit de croire en une religion en FranceLaïcité guarantees the freedom to believe.
- ✗ A political opinion against religionsUne opinion politique contre les religionsLaïcité is not an opinion.
What the source says
« La laïcité n'est pas une opinion : c'est un principe constitutionnel. »
Sentence copied word for word from the source, in French, read on 21 October 2026.
How it reads on exam day
The exam is in French, so this is the question you will see: « Que représente la laïcité en France ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question is on the official list for the resident card (CR). The Ministry's wording: “Que représente la laïcité ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “La définition de la laïcité (1/2)” (French).
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