A person assuming a position in a public office either through election or appointment is expected to take this formal oath which reminds them of their obligations to the public and to perform their duties to the best of their abilities. – Black’s Law Dictionary
At the start of each new Congress, in January of every odd-numbered year, the entire House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate takes an oath of office. For Members of the House, the Speaker will direct the Members to rise, and the oath is administered. A Senator-elect takes the oath of office from the presiding officer in an open session of the Senate.
The current oath is as follows: “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.”
All Public Servants who take the oath do so willingly without reservation.
“The oath of office for federal officials, including members of Congress and the Senate, is a public document that must be accessible. The specific wording of the oath is determined by Congress and is set out in 5 U.S.C. § 3331. The oath requires the official to swear or affirm that they will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that they will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. The oath also requires the official to take the obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and to well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which they are about to enter. The oath is accessible through various sources, including the Supreme Court, the U.S. Senate, and federal government websites.”
“Yes, state and local city employees are required to take an affirmation to support and defend the Constitution. Both federal and state officers are required to take oaths pledging to uphold the Constitution as part of the duties of the office they hold, according to FindLaw. The Constitution specifies an oath of office for the President, but Article VI of the Constitution states that other officials, including members of Congress, “shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation to support this constitution,” as stated in Ben’s Guide. The Supreme Court website also confirms that all federal officials must take an oath in support of the Constitution, including members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, as noted in Article VI.” – perplexity.ai
5 U.S. Code § 3331 – Oath of office
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 following oath: “I, AB, 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.” This section does not affect other oaths required by law.
(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 424.)
5 U.S. Code § 3332 – Officer affidavit; no consideration paid for appointment
An officer, within 30 days after the effective date of his appointment, shall file with the oath of office required by section 3331 of this title an affidavit that neither he nor anyone acting in his behalf has given, transferred, promised, or paid any consideration for or in the expectation or hope of receiving assistance in securing the appointment.
(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 424.)