In the oath text, which clause is marked optional?

In the oath text, which clause is marked optional?

• A. I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same
• B. that I will obey the orders of the president
• C. I will defend the Constitution against all enemies
• D. so help me God (optional)

Answer: (D)

In an oath, the essential commitments are to defend the Constitution and to follow lawful orders from the President and the officers over you. The closing line “So help me God” is a traditional addition that may be omitted for personal or religious reasons, so it’s marked as optional. Because the rest of the oath establishes your duties—defending the Constitution and obeying orders—those parts are binding regardless of whether the God-clause is included.

In an oath, the essential commitments are to defend the Constitution and to follow lawful orders from the President and the officers over you. The closing line “So help me God” is a traditional addition that may be omitted for personal or religious reasons, so it’s marked as optional. Because the rest of the oath establishes your duties—defending the Constitution and obeying orders—those parts are binding regardless of whether the God-clause is included.