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Which text created, in 1789, the freedom of conscience that is the basis of laïcité (secularism)?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, of 1789. It is the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. In 1789 it created freedom of conscience and religion, the basis of laïcité. The law of 1905 comes later: it separates the Church and the State.
Sources: Sheet “Histoire de la laïcité” (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
- ✗ The Concordat with the Catholic ChurchLe Concordat avec l'Église catholiqueThis treaty dates from 1801 and organises relations with the Catholic Church.
- ✓ The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, of 1789La Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen, de 1789Correct answer. It is the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. In 1789 it created freedom of conscience and religion, the basis of laïcité. The law of 1905 comes later: it separates the Church and the State.
- ✗ The Charter for the Environment, a text about natureLa Charte de l'environnement, un texte sur la natureThis text dates from 2004 and is about the environment.
- ✗ The 1905 law separating Church and StateLa loi de 1905 qui sépare l'Église et l'ÉtatThis law dates from 1905. It separates the Church and the State.
How it reads on exam day
The exam is in French, so this is the question you will see: « Quel texte crée en 1789 la liberté de conscience, fondement de la laïcité ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question comes from the naturalisation version of the exam (Ministry list read on 14 October 2026). The Ministry's wording: “Quel texte est considéré comme le texte fondateur de la laïcité ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “Histoire de la laïcité” (French).
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