Compare and Contrast Oaths of Allegiance
Today, examples of taking oaths may include when providing testimony in a court case, becoming a US citizen, by members of the military or public employees when beginning their employment, by doctors, and by people when they are married. Students might mention the Pledge of Allegiance as an example of being asked to show allegiance.
In the 18th century, English military officials and office holders had to swear an oath to King George III, who was the defender of the Protestant Church of England, and people believed breaking these oaths would put their souls in danger. Oaths of allegiance and fidelity and oaths of office were taken mainly by Continental Army line and staff officers in accordance with a resolution of the Continental Congress of February 3, 1778. The oaths generally included the name of the subscriber, his rank or office, his organization, the date, the name and rank of the witness, and the place where the oath was taken.
Dictionary definition:
Oath
- a serious promise that you will do what you have said
- a public pledge that a person will perform some action or duty
- statement of fact or a promise taken by a person
Allegiance
- loyalty and support for a ruler, country, group, or belief
- the act of binding yourself to a course of action
Based on these definitions, discuss:
- When do people take oaths?
- Why is it required that people take an oath in these situations?
- When have you been asked to show allegiance?
Now look closely at either George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, or Aaron Burr’s Oaths of Allegiance.
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