What do we show loyalty to when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance?

When reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, we show loyalty to the United States. The Pledge reflects a commitment to the nation as a whole, emphasizing the ideals and principles upon which the country was founded, including liberty and justice for all. The Pledge specifically mentions "the flag of the United States of America," which symbolizes the country, and encapsulates the relationship between citizens and their nation. This pledge serves as a unified expression of patriotism and identity, binding individuals to the collective values and responsibilities that come with being a citizen of the United States.

While the other options touch on important aspects of civic loyalty, they do not fully capture the broad allegiance to the nation as emphasized in the Pledge. Loyalty to the state and the Constitution are significant but are encompassed within the broader loyalty to the United States as a whole.