What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?

When we say the Pledge of Allegiance, we are expressing our loyalty to the United States as a whole. The Pledge serves as a solemn promise or affirmation of our allegiance to the nation, reflecting a commitment to its principles, values, and the collective identity of the country.

While the other options—such as the President, the Constitution, and the flag—are all important symbols of national identity and governance, the Pledge explicitly articulates loyalty to the United States itself. This core allegiance signifies support for the nation in its entirety, encompassing all its laws, rights, and responsibilities that bind its citizens together. By focusing on the United States, the Pledge invites allegiance to the collective rights and freedoms guaranteed to all citizens under the nation as opposed to any individual leader or document.