2006-08-23 01:15:15 · 10 answers · asked by LeBlanc 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I guess that you are assuming that a) folks have actually READ the U.S. Constitution and b) folks actually know what they are saying when the recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ask most people what purpose the Constitution serves - they likely don't know, except for something about "rights."
Ask most people what a Republic is - they pledge allegiance "to the Republic, for which it (the flag) stands" - and they likely don't know what it is or where the concept came from.
(And I say this based on personal experience asking just such questions of college students.)
So as far as which is more important - I'd have to say that it's important that people know what each represents and the functions each serves. Pledging an allegiance to either without really knowing that is a rather hollow gesture.
But, in the end, I would say that allegiance to the U.S. Constitution is much more important, because it is a statement and the highest law regarding the structure, function, and responsibilites of our government and particular rights of citizens. The flag is a symbol of that, but does not have much authority beyond that.
2006-08-23 02:19:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Im Canadian, so i dont really know if it applies to me, i did live in the states for 2 years though, i Belive that you should have an aligiance to the groundwork of your country, the constitution. The Flag Is merely a symbol of those precious rights you have as an American, i still would show it the same respect you would show the constitution.
2006-08-23 08:25:31 · answer #2 · answered by Metallicat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, the two cannot be separated. The US Flag is the symbol of our country, defined and delineated by our Constitution. Saluting the US flag is pledging allegiance to the US, Constitution and all.
To insult the flag is to insult all the flag stands for: our country.
People may say "the flag is just a symbol", but they are discounting what symbols are: an easily recognized representation of the Thing you are discussing. Just like a Crown or a Scepter, a Flag represents the political/legal entity of the country it represents. We cannot carry around copies of the Constitution; it would not be easily recognized. The Flag is very easy to identify, and is much easier to fold!
Without the Constitution, the Flag would have no meaning.
2006-08-23 08:28:12 · answer #3 · answered by MamaBear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe alligience to the constitution would be more important. The constitution is where we obtain our rights as "free" citizen. It is Laws that have been virtually written in stone. The Laws in the constitution are not easilychaged or amended. Although our dear president has totally ignored the rights of the american citizen (and we let him). The constitution is what we hold dear. The flag is a representation of what we hold dear.
2006-08-23 08:20:21 · answer #4 · answered by cbellsew 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Constitution. The flag is merely a symbol.
2006-08-23 08:16:56 · answer #5 · answered by IndyT- For Da Ben Dan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in my opinion, the alligiance on the flag is important rather than in the constitution, for me because, even though constitution constitutes laws, flag is the symbol of sovereignity, hope, freedom and life.... flag is the symbol of ones country it is the banner of one nation. for example, if you post your flag and bring it anywhere anyone can recognize you as a United states citizen, while if you post your constitution and bring it with you, you are not recognize until it is being read and understand....
Gentleman,
what symbol does Pres. George Washington is with him when he is fighting for the freedom of your dear America? what symbol early in the morning you sang for in the meory of the freedom of your dear America. Is it the Constitution or your Dear stripped cloth, the symbol of your freedom The American Flag....
I hope you get my point... thanks....
PIO VICTOR C. BASILLA
piovictor@yahoo.com
Republic of the Philippines
2006-08-23 08:26:10 · answer #6 · answered by piovictor 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Constitution. The flag is just a strip of cloth, while the Constitution is the foundation of our government and our basic rights as citizens.
2006-08-23 08:21:08 · answer #7 · answered by phaedra 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
US Constitution.
Flag is a symbol. Constitution is a real document that's the corner stone of all we're about!
Question for you;
Why would anyone think it would be the flag?
2006-08-23 08:21:47 · answer #8 · answered by Common Sense 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the constitution...the flag is a powerful symbol, but it's still only a symbol
2006-08-23 08:45:40 · answer #9 · answered by spike missing debra m 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ditto. ^^^^
[edit] after reading other posts:
Without the constitution, the government could kill you or put you in prison for touching a flag.
To other poster who says flag = constitution: what if you just had to pick one.
2006-08-23 08:19:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋