An oath of allegiance is a promise of loyalty to a country, monarch, or religious order. It may contain promises to uphold laws and renounce previous allegiances. Officials and naturalized citizens can take this oath. Breaking it may be considered treason.
An oath of allegiance is given by an individual to a country, monarch or religious order. The individual swears a duty of allegiance and loyalty as part of the oath. An official who accepts an office can take this oath. Naturalized citizens can also take this oath when accepting their new citizenship.
Each oath of allegiance may contain several promises made by the person affirming the oath. In a republic, one takes an oath to the laws of the republic. In a monarchy, the oath is given to the specific monarch or to the country itself. An oath of allegiance may be required before a person can assume office or receive a benefit granted as part of a larger process. Some religious orders may require an oath to the religious order as part of the process in which a newly ordained member receives office or acquires higher office within the religious order.
An oath of allegiance sworn by an official accepting a new office includes a promise to uphold the laws of the governing body the official will represent. This oath of allegiance can support a federal government, a provincial or state government, or a municipal government. Other pledges made in such an oath focus primarily on office roles rather than the position of citizen or subject. Some oaths are included in the specific body of law to which the oath of allegiance is sworn, such as the establishment of a republic.
Naturalized citizens are usually required to make specific promises in their loyalty oaths. In some countries, naturalized citizens must renounce all previous alliances with other monarchs or countries. Naturalized citizens must promise to uphold the laws of the country in which they are becoming citizens. In some countries, naturalized citizens must also pledge to serve the country in the military or some other type of service.
Historically, oaths were sworn to the monarch or ruler of a particular country rather than the country itself. Over time, many countries have changed the oath to be given to the country itself. In a republic, the oath is taken to uphold the laws of the original document: for example, a constitution. Breaking an oath may be considered treason in some jurisdictions.
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