# Government Oaths ## Background - Among other things, the discusses oaths. This note enumerates the various oaths required of those serving in the US and Texas governments. ## Oaths by Role (US Government) ### Oath of office of the president of the United States #### Applicability - Only the US President #### Oath - I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. #### Source - US Constitution, Article II, Section One, Clause 8 ### Oath of Office #### Applicability - An individual, except the President, elected or appointed to an office of honor or profit in the civil service or uniformed services, shall take the oath shown below. - This section does not affect other oaths required by law. - Specific offices include: - All officers in any of the eight services - US Senators - US Representatives #### Oath - "I `______`, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God." #### Source - PUBLIC LAW 89-554, § 3331 - https://www.senate.gov/about/origins-foundations/senate-and-constitution/oath-of-office.htm - US Code: 5 U.S.C 16 ## Oaths by Role (Texas Government) #### Applicability - The Texas Constitution requires that all appointed and elected officers in the state must take an oath of office - This includes elected officials, such as city council members and mayors, as well as other municipal offices. An “office” is defined generally as a position that “exercises a sovereign function of government largely independent of the control of others.” #### Oath - “I, ```____________,```do solemnly swear (or affirm), that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of, ```____________,```of the State of Texas, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and of this State, so help me God.” ### Affirmation - In addition, before taking the oath of office and beginning the duties of office, each elected or appointed officer required to take the oath must also subscribe to the following statement: - “I, ```____________,```do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I have not directly or indirectly paid, offered, promised to pay, contributed, or promised to contribute any money or thing of value, or promised any public office or employment for the giving or withholding of a vote at the election at which I was elected or as a reward to secure my appointment or confirmation, whichever the case may be, so help me God.” #### Source - Texas Constitution, Article XVI, Section 1 ## Other oaths ### Sworn Testimony #### Applicability - Sworn testimony is evidence given by a witness who has made a commitment to tell the truth. If the witness is later found to have lied whilst bound by the commitment, they can often be charged with the crime of perjury. The types of commitment can include oaths, affirmations and promises which are explained in more detail below. The exact wording of the commitments vary from country to country. #### Oath - Do you solemnly (swear/affirm) that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? #### Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sworn_testimony --- #### Outbound Links - Scripture - Studies - [[Covenant_&_Oath_Study|Covenant Bible Study]] - Other Notes - Topics - Hebrew Words - Greek Words