Final answer:
The signers pledge loyalty to one another, freedom and independence from British rule in the Declaration of Independence, to the U.S. Constitution in the Oath of Allegiance, and to the principles of liberty in other historical contexts. Elected U.S. representatives must also pledge their allegiance to the U.S. Constitution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The signers of various historical documents related to the formation of independent states and the establishment of governments have pledged loyalty to different entities and principles. For instance, the signatories of the United States Declaration of Independence explicitly pledged loyalty to one another and to the principles of freedom and independence from British rule.
They stated, "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor." Similarly, the Oath of Allegiance for new citizens of the United States includes a pledge of loyalty to the U.S. Constitution, renouncing allegiance to any foreign sovereignty.
In other historical contexts, such as the independence of Haiti, the leaders pledged loyalty to the principles of liberty and the fight against despotism, as detailed in documents from that period.
Elected representatives of the United States, including senators and state legislators, are also required to take an oath affirming their support and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution. Furthermore, the third clause of the U.S. Constitution asserts that allegiance to the Constitution is paramount for those serving in public office.