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

When someone becomes a United States citizen, one of the key promises made is to defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States. This commitment reflects a deep respect for the foundational principles of the country, including democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. By pledging to support and defend the Constitution, new citizens acknowledge their role in upholding the rights and responsibilities that come with citizenship. This promise signifies an understanding that citizenship is not just a privilege, but also a responsibility to participate in and protect the democratic framework of the nation.

The other options, while they may touch on aspects related to citizenship, do not encapsulate this core commitment as effectively. For example, the obligation to pay taxes is certainly part of civic life but is not a specific promise made during the naturalization process. Following the majority opinion is contrary to democratic principles where minority rights are also protected. Lastly, although civic service is valuable, it is not a requirement of citizenship in the same way as the oath to defend the Constitution and laws. This highlights the unique importance of the promise about the Constitution in the context of U.S. citizenship.