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The citizenship pledge wording

Study note

At the citizenship ceremony, new citizens make a formal pledge that sets out their commitment to the country. The wording of this pledge is something the test sometimes asks about, so it is worth learning its main promises.

In the pledge, new citizens promise to give their loyalty to the United Kingdom. They also promise to respect its rights and freedoms, to uphold its democratic values, and to observe its laws faithfully. The pledge ends with a promise to fulfil their duties and obligations as a British citizen. Together these promises capture the responsibilities that come with citizenship.

Notice what the pledge does not say. It is not a promise of loyalty to a political party, the local council or a single religion, and it does not say anything about paying no taxes. The central ideas to remember are loyalty to the UK, respect for its rights and freedoms, upholding democratic values, and observing the laws.

Memory tip: Pledge = loyalty, respect rights and freedoms, uphold democratic values, observe the laws.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 4

In the citizenship pledge, new citizens promise to give their loyalty to whom?

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Show all questions and answers for The citizenship pledge wording(4 questions with explanations)

The citizenship pledge wording: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. In the citizenship pledge, new citizens promise to give their loyalty to whom?

    • A political party
    • The local council
    • The United Kingdom
    • A single religion

    Correct answer: The United Kingdom

    The pledge begins with a promise to give loyalty to the United Kingdom.

  2. 2. Select TWO things new citizens promise in the citizenship pledge.

    • To pay no taxes
    • To follow one religion
    • To uphold the UK's democratic values
    • To observe its laws faithfully

    Correct answer: To uphold the UK's democratic values and To observe its laws faithfully

    The pledge includes upholding democratic values and observing the laws faithfully.

  3. 3. In the citizenship pledge, new citizens promise to fulfil their duties and obligations as a British citizen.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. The pledge ends with a promise to fulfil one's duties and obligations as a British citizen.

  4. 4. Complete the pledge: 'I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and ___.'

    • borders
    • freedoms
    • traditions
    • leaders

    Correct answer: freedoms

    The pledge promises to respect the UK's rights and freedoms.

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