From King's Army to Constitution's Guardians: Understanding the American Military Oath

The American military's oath to the Constitution: a historical perspective. The American system of government is built on the principle of separation of powers and the rule of law. This contrasts sharply with the feudal system that prevailed in Europe for centuries. In feudal societies, armies swore allegiance to individual monarchs, creating a system of loyalty that was personal and often arbitrary. This is highlighted in a recent TikTok video by Bryan, a former prosecutor and law teacher. Using a whiteboard diagram, Bryan explains how the feudal system created a hierarchical structure of loyalty, with the king at the apex. He explains: "These sworn oaths are not short-term; they're very long-term." This contrasts with the modern American military, which pledges allegiance to the Constitution, not a person. The video's visual aid makes this complex historical difference easy to understand. The shift from a feudal system to a constitutional republic significantly impacted the structure of the American military and its relationship to the state. This historical context is crucial to understanding the modern American military's role and responsibilities. The video's discussion of this historical evolution is both informative and thought-provoking.