What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?

When you become a United States citizen, one of the key promises you make is to obey the laws of the United States. This is fundamental to the responsibilities of citizenship, as it underscores the commitment to uphold the legal framework that governs society. By pledging to follow the laws, citizens agree to maintain order and respect the rights of others, which is essential for the functioning of a democratic system.

While paying taxes, serving in the military if required, and voting in elections are also responsibilities or expectations of citizenship, they are not universally applicable to all citizens in the same way that obeying the laws is. For example, voting is encouraged but not mandatory for all citizens. Similarly, military service applies only to those who are called upon, and tax obligations can vary based on individual circumstances. The promise to obey the laws is a broad and unwavering commitment that every citizen is expected to uphold, reinforcing the social contract between the individual and the nation.