The aim of the article is to present and discuss a study in which Finnish, English and Swedish pupils' understanding of citizenship education with regard to: (a) political literacy; and (b) attitudes and values was explored. The study was a cross-national, multiple case study and data were collected through 18 focus group dialogues with 15-year-old pupils. Results showed that English pupils were much more well-informed about rights and responsibilities than their Nordic counterparts and also more skilled rhetorically, but appeared less accustomed to open and confident relationships with adults than the Swedish pupils. Finnish pupils did not seem to be encouraged to talk; instead they kept their thoughts and feelings to themselves. One conclusion, among others, was that the study illuminates conditions for the development of a so-called key competence--i.e., "interpersonal, intercultural, social and civic competence". (Contains 4 notes and 2 tables.)