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Lessons
1. Pilgrims
2. Revolution
3. Civil War
4. Anthem/Flag
5. Constitution
6. Executive
7. Legislative
8. Judicial
9. State/Local
10. 20th Century
11. Oath
12. The N-400
 

Lesson Quizzes

Lesson Eleven: The Oath of Allegiance



The Oath of Allegiance is a statement that gives support to the principals of the United States Constitution. Only after taking the oath does one become a full citizen.*

Part 8 of the N-400, the applications for Naturalization, asks questions about the Oath of Allegiance. At the Citizenship interview, the INS officer will ask questions from part 8 to determine if you understand and accept the oath. You will later take the oath at your naturalization ceremony.

*Certain applicants may be exempt from taking the full Oath of Allegiance. For more information, consult the USCIS website.

Oath of Allegiance

I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the armed forces of the United States when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, so help me God.

A simple version of the oath would read:

• I swear that I will not be loyal to any other country.
• I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the U.S.
• I will defend the U.S. from enemies outside and inside the U.S.
• I will bear arms, carry a gun or fight, for the United States if asked.
• I will do non-fighting work for the military if asked.
• I will do important work for the country if asked.
• I take this oath freely and with out any doubts.
  

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