The Oath of Office includes which fundamental commitment?

• A. Swearing to support and defend the Constitution
• B. Ongoing allegiance to the President
• C. Pledging to obey military orders
• D. Accepting only the duties one can perform

Answer: (A)

The oath centers on allegiance to the Constitution. When an officer takes it, they promise to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and to faithfully discharge the duties of the office. This sets the basis for legitimate authority—derived from the Constitution, not from a single individual—and it creates accountability to constitutional principles and citizens’ rights. The other options drift away from that core commitment: allegiance to the President isn’t the pledge; obedience to military orders is a duty but not the oath’s fundamental promise; and promising to take on only duties one can perform isn’t part of the oath.