What do we pledge loyalty to during the Pledge of Allegiance?

The correct answer is that we pledge loyalty to the United States during the Pledge of Allegiance. The Pledge, as recited, emphasizes allegiance to the nation as a whole, reflecting a commitment to the ideals and values represented by the United States. This includes not only the land and its people but also the principles of liberty and justice that are foundational to the American identity.

While the flag, which serves as a national symbol, is mentioned in the Pledge, it represents the United States itself rather than being the object of our loyalty. Similarly, the Constitution establishes the framework for governance and guarantees rights, but the Pledge specifically articulates a vow to the nation as a unified entity. The government, while it administers the laws of the land, is not the subject of the Pledge; instead, it is the embodiment of the people's will as expressed through the nation. The focus of the Pledge is on allegiance to the United States, uniting all citizens under shared values and commitment.