The Oath of Office

What commitment does your State require from its elected or appointed officials before assuming office?

Is it a direct commitment to the People of the State? Or is it an indirect commitment via the State Constitution?

Do the officials commit to abide by the Constitution or merely 'protect' or 'defend' it?

Is your State's Oath of Office backed up by any teeth in either the State's Statutory Code or its Constitution?

Look up your State's Oath of Office below; then look at some of the others. How does your State's compare to the others?

Alabama

"I, [Name], do solemnly swear (or affirm as the case may be) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and Constitution of Alabama, so long as I continue a citizen thereof, and that I will faithfully and honestly discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, to the best of my ability. So help me God."

Alabama Constitution Alabama Statutory Code

Alaska

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Alaska, and that I will faithfully discharge my duties as [Title of office] to the best of my ability."

Alaska Constitution Alaska Statutory Code

Arizona

"I, [Name] do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the State of Arizona, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and defend them against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office of [Title of office] according to the best of my ability, so help me God (or so I do affirm)."

Arizona Constitution Arizona Statutory Code

Arkansas

"I, [Name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Arkansas, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of [Office], upon which I am now about to enter."

Arkansas Constitution Arkansas Statutory Code

California

"I, [Name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter."

California Constitution California Statutory Code

Colorado

"I [Name], do (select swear, affirm, or swear by the everliving God) that I will support the constitution of the United States, the constitution of the state of Colorado, and the laws of the state of Colorado, and will faithfully perform the duties of the office of [Name of office or position] upon which I am about to enter to the best of my ability."

Colorado Constitution Colorado Statutory Code

Connecticut

"You do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be) that you will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the state of Connecticut, so long as you continue a citizen thereof; and that you will faithfully discharge, according to law, the duties of the office of .... to the best of your abilities; so help you God."

Connecticut Constitution Connecticut Statutory Code

Delaware

"I further swear (or affirm) always to place the public interests above any special or personal interests, and to respect the right of future generations to share the rich historic and natural heritage of Delaware. In doing so I will always uphold and defend the Constitutions of my Country and my State, so help me God."

Delaware Constitution Delaware Statutory Code

Florida

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida; that I am qualified to hold office under the constitution of the state, and that I will well and faithfully perform at all times the duties of Florida Public Service Commissioner, on which I am now about to enter in a professional, independent, objective, and nonpartisan manner; that I do not have any financial, employment, or business interest which is prohibited by chapter 350, Florida Statutes; and that I will abide by the standards of conduct required of me by chapters 112 and 350, Florida Statutes, so help me God.”

Florida Constitution Florida Statutory Code

Georgia

"I do solemnly swear or affirm that I will faithfully execute the office of Governor of the State of Georgia and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution thereof and the Constitution of the United States."

Georgia Constitution Georgia Statutory Code

Hawaii

"I solemnly swear (or affirm), in the presence of Almighty God, that I will faithfully support the Constitution and laws of the United States, and conscientiously and impartially discharge my duties as a member of the legislature, or as an officer of the government of the Territory of Hawaii (as the case may be)."

Hawaii Constitution Hawaii Statutory Code

Idaho

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be) that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of Idaho, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of [Name of office] according to the best of my ability."

Idaho Constitution Idaho Statutory Code

Illinois

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be,) that I will support the constitution of the United States, and the constitution of the state of Illinois, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of .... according to the best of my ability."

Illinois Constitution Illinois Statutory Code

Indiana

I, [Name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) I will support the Constitution of the United States, and of the State of Indiana. I will faithfully and impartially discharge my duties as [Name of office] to the best of my skill and ability, so help me God.

Indiana Constitution Indiana Statutory Code

Iowa

"I, [Name], do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Iowa, and that I will faithfully and impartially, to the best of my ability, discharge all the duties of the office of [Name of office] in [Name of township, city, county, district, or state], as now or hereafter required by law."

Iowa Constitution Iowa Statutory Code

Kansas

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of Kansas, and faithfully discharge the duties of my office or employment. So help me God."

Kansas Constitution Kansas Statutory Code

Kentucky

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of this Commonwealth, and be faithful and true to the Commonwealth of Kentucky so long as I continue a citizen thereof, and that I will faithfully execute, to the best of my ability, the office of [Name of Office] according to law; and I do further solemnly swear (or affirm) that since the adoption of the present Constitution, I, being a citizen of this State, have not fought a duel with deadly weapons within this State nor out of it, nor have I sent or accepted a challenge to fight a duel with deadly weapons, nor have I acted as second in carrying a challenge, nor aided or assisted any person thus offending, so help me God."

Kentucky Constitution Kentucky Statutory Code

Louisiana

"I, [Name] do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the constitution and laws of the United States and the constitution and laws of this state and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as [Name of office] according (print official title and the office/city/board you represent, if any) to the best of my ability and understanding, so help me God."

Louisiana Constitution Louisiana Statutory Code

Maine

"I, [Name], do swear, that I will support the Constitution of the United States and of this State, so long as I shall continue a citizen thereof. So help me God."

"I [Name] do swear, that I will faithfully discharge, to the best of my abilities, the duties incumbent on me as [Name of Office] according to the Constitution and laws of the State. So help me God."

Maine Constitution Maine Statutory Code

Maryland

"I [Name], do swear (or affirm, as the case may be), that I will support the Constitution of the United State (States); and that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the State of Maryland, and support the Constitution and laws thereof; and that I will support and comply with the charter, laws, and ordinances of the Town of Chestertown; and that I will, to the best of my skill and judgement diligently and faithfully, without partiality or prejudice, execute the office of [Name of office], according to the Constitution of (and) the laws of this State."

Maryland Constitution Maryland Statutory Code

Massachusetts

"I, [Name], do solemnly swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and will support the constitutions and laws thereof. So help me God."

Massachusetts Constitution Massachusetts Statutory Code

Michigan

"All officers, legislative, executive and judicial, before entering upon the duties of their respective offices, shall take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the constitution of this state, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of [Name of office] according to the best of my ability. No other oath, affirmation, or any religious test shall be required as a qualification for any office or public trust."

Michigan Constitution Michigan Statutory Code

Minnesota

"I, [Name] do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Minnesota, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of: [Name of office] in the jurisdiction of: [Name of jurisdiction] to the best of my judgment and ability."

Minnesota Constitution Minnesota Statutory Code

Mississippi

"I [Name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Mississippi, and obey the laws thereof; that I am not disqualified from holding the office of [Name of office]; that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter. So help me God."

Mississippi Constitution Mississippi Statutory Code

Missouri

"I do solemnly swear, or affirm, that I will support the Constitution of the United States and of the state of Missouri, and faithfully perform the duties of my office, and that I will not knowingly receive, directly or indirectly, any money or other valuable thing for the performance or nonperformance of any act or duty pertaining to my office, other than the compensation allowed by law."

Missouri Constitution Missouri Statutory Code

Montana

"I, [Name], do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the state of Montana against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the president of the United States and the governor of the state of Montana; that I make this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office of [Name of office] in the [Name of jurisdiction] upon which I am about to enter, so help me God."

Montana Constitution Montana Statutory Code

Nebraska

"I, [Name], do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Nebraska, 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 for purpose of evasion; and that I will faithfully and impartially perform the duties of the office of [Name of office] according to law, and to the best of my ability. And I do further swear that I do not advocate, nor am I a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this state by force or violence; and that during such time as I am in this position I will not advocate nor become a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this state by force or violence. So help me God."

Nebraska Constitution Nebraska Statutory Code

Nevada

I, [Name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and the Constitution and Government of the State of Nevada against all enemies, whether domestic or foreign, and that I will bear true faith, allegiance and loyalty to the same, any ordinance, resolution or law of any state notwithstanding, and that I will well and faithfully perform all the duties of the office of [Name of office], on which I am about to enter; (if an oath) so help me God; (if an affirmation) under the pains and penalties of perjury.

Nevada Constitution Nevada Statutory Code

New Hampshire

"I, [Name] do solemnly and sincerely swear and affirm that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent on me as [Name of office], according to the best of my abilities, agreeably to the rules and regulations of this constitution and laws of the state of New Hampshire. So help me God."

New Hampshire Constitution New Hampshire Statutory Code

New Jersey

"I, [Name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey, and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and to the Governments established in the United States and in this State, County and Township, under the authority of the people; and that I will faithfully, impartially and justly perform all the duties of the office of: [Name of office] according to the best of my ability. So help me God."

New Jersey Constitution New Jersey Statutory Code

New Mexico

"I, [Name], do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and the laws of the State of New Mexico and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of on which I am about to enter, to the best of my ability, so help me god."

New Mexico Constitution New Mexico Statutory Code

New York

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the constitution of the United States, and the constitution of the State of New York, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of [Name of office], according to the best of my ability."

New York Constitution New York Statutory Code

North Carolina

"I, [Name], do solemnly and sincerely swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States; so help me God. I, [Name], do solemnly and sincerely swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the State of North Carolina, and to the constitutional powers and authorities which are or may be established for the government thereof; and that I will endeavor to support, maintain and defend the Constitution of said State, not inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States, to the best of my knowledge and ability; so help me God."

North Carolina Constitution North Carolina Statutory Code

North Dakota

"I, [Name] of [Name of jurisdiction], N.D., do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of North Dakota and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of [Name of office] according to the best of my ability, so help me God (under pains and penalties of perjury)."

North Dakota Constitution North Dakota Statutory Code

Ohio

"I, [Name], do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Ohio, will administer justice without respect to persons, and will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all of the duties incumbent upon me as (name of office) according to the best of my ability and understanding. (This I do as I shall answer unto God.)"

Ohio Constitution Ohio Statutory Code

Oklahoma

"I, [Name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, obey, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma, and that I will not, knowingly, receive, directly or indirectly, any money or other valuable thing, for the performance or nonperformance of any act or duty pertaining to my office, other than the compensation allowed by law; I further swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully discharge my duties as [Name of office] to the best of my ability."

Oklahoma Constitution Oklahoma Statutory Code

Oregon

"I, [Name], do solemnly swear and affirm that I support the Constitution and laws of the United States and the state of Oregon, and of the charter, ordinances, and rules of procedures for the City of [Name of city], and that I will faithfully and honorably perform the duties of the office for which I am about to assume."

Oregon Constitution Oregon Statutory Code

Pennsylvania

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, obey and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of this Commonwealth and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity."

Pennsylvania Constitution Pennsylvania Statutory Code

Rhode Island

"You being by the free vote of the electors of this state of Rhode Island , elected unto the place of do solemnly swear (or, affirm) to be true and faithful unto this state, and to support the Constitution of this state and of the United States; that you will faithfully and impartially discharge all the duties of your aforesaid office to the best of your abilities, according to law: So help you God. (Or: This affirmation you make and give upon the peril of the penalty of perjury)."

Rhode Island Constitution Rhode Island Statutory Code

South Carolina

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I am duly qualified, according to the Constitution of this State, to exercise the duties of the office to which I have been elected (or appointed), and that I will to the best of my ability, discharge the duties thereof, and preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of this State and of the United States. So Help me God.”

South Carolina Constitution South Carolina Statutory Code

South Dakota

"I, [Name] do solemnly swear that I will support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of South Dakota, and that I will faithfully, impartially and honestly discharge the duties of my office [Name of office] according to my best knowledge and judgment, so help me God."

South Dakota Constitution South Dakota Statutory Code

Tennessee

"I do solemnly swear that I will perform with fidelity the duties of the office to which I have been elected, and which I am about to assume. I do solemnly swear to support the constitutions of Tennessee and the United States and to faithfully perform the duties of the office of for [Name of county , Tennessee."

Tennessee Constitution Tennessee Statutory Code

Texas

"I, [Name] do solemnly swear (or affirm), that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of [Name of office] 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."

Texas Constitution Texas Statutory Code

Utah

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, obey, and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Utah, and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity."

Utah Constitution Utah Statutory Code

Vermont

“I [Name] do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will be true and faithful to the State of Vermont, and that I will not, directly or indirectly, do any act or thing injurious to the Constitution or Government thereof. (If an oath) So help me God. (If an affirmation) Under the pains and penalties of perjury.”

Vermont Constitution Vermont Statutory Code

Virginia

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge all the duties incumbent upon me as [Name of office], according to the best of my ability (so help me God)."

Virginia Constitution Virginia Statutory Code

Washington

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the state of Washington, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of (name of office) to the best of my ability."

Washington Constitution Washington Statutory Code

West Virginia

"I [Name] do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of The United States of America and the Constitution of the State of West Virginia, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of [Name of office] to the best of my skill and judgement so help me God."

West Virginia Constitution West Virginia Statutory Code

Wisconsin

"I, [Name], swear (or affirm) that I will support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the state of Wisconsin, and will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office of [Name of office] to the best of my ability. So help me God."

Wisconsin Constitution Wisconsin Statutory Code

Wyoming

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will impartially and to the best of my knowledge and ability perform the duties of my office. I will studiously endeavor to prevent all frauds, deceit and abuse in the application of the election laws of this state."

Wyoming Constitution Wyoming Statutory Code

Page updated

Report abuse