C.2(a). Oath of Office

The oath of office in both chambers is the same:

“I, (full legal name), solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will uphold the Rights of the Sovereign People of the United States who have entrusted me with this office and delegated to me the various powers that go with it. To that end, I will do my best to faithfully execute the National Charter of the United States and uphold its laws.”

The wording of this oath is carefully considered. First, the member swears to uphold rights. In other words, they are affirming they will do the basic function that is the purpose of government in the first place. Then, it makes the member say that the powers they have as a consequence of their office are delegated to them by the people. Finally, and subordinate to citizen sovereignty and the rights-first approach, the member swears to execute the provisions of the Charter and uphold the laws of the United States.