In France, the State can fund:
A knowledge question from the official lists (theme: Principles and values of the Republic), with its answer explained in English.
On exam day, in French
En France, il est possible pour l'État de financer :
- AEn règle générale, la construction d'un nouvel édifice religieuxAs a general rule, the construction of a new religious building
- BLa restauration d'un monument religieux classé au patrimoineThe restoration of a religious monument listed as heritageCorrect answer
- CUne religion officielle de l'ÉtatAn official religion of the State
- DUne seule religion, pour l'aider plus que les autresOnly one religion, to help it more than the others
Explanation
As a general rule, the State does not have the right to fund the construction of a religious building. There are a few exceptions, such as in Alsace and Moselle, where the State has special agreements with certain religions. This is why choice a speaks of the general rule. However, the State can fund the restoration of a religious monument listed as heritage.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. As a general rule, the construction of a new religious building — Choice a speaks of the general rule. As a general rule, the State does not have the right to fund the construction of a religious building. The exceptions, such as in Alsace and Moselle, are not the general rule.
- C. An official religion of the State — The French State does not recognise any religion.
- D. Only one religion, to help it more than the others — The State does not support any religious organisation. It treats them all in the same way.
French words to remember
- ÉtatState
- édifice religieuxreligious building
- restaurationrestoration
- classé au patrimoinelisted as heritage
Official sources (in French)
Livret du citoyen 2026, p. 11 › II. LES PRINCIPES DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE › B. Une République laïque › 1. La neutralité de l’État — Ministère de l'Intérieur (DGEF), immigration.interieur.gouv.fr · 20 octobre 2026
« L’État a la possibilité de financer la restauration d’un monument religieux classé au patrimoine. »
« L’État n’a, par exemple, pas le droit de financer la construction d’un édifice religieux, ni de payer un personnel religieux. »
« Cependant, il y a quelques exceptions, comme en Alsace et en Moselle, où l'État, en raison de l’Histoire, a des accords spéciaux avec certaines religions. »
« l'État ne soutient aucune organisation religieuse, les considère toutes de la même manière »
La définition de la laïcité (1/2) › L’État est neutre vis-à-vis des religions — Ministère de l'Intérieur (DIAN), formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr · 20 octobre 2026
« Par conséquent, l’État français : »
« ne reconnaît aucune religion ; »
Independent course, not affiliated with the French Ministry of the Interior.The exam itself is only in French. The English explanations are AI translations, checked by an independent chain (translation, review, blind check against the French sources); no human translator has reviewed them yet.
Page updated on 22 octobre 2026 (date in French format). All questions explained in English