The obligation of support and loyalty that an individual has to their government is best captured by the concept of allegiance. Allegiance signifies a formal and sustained commitment to the state, representing a person's loyalty and fidelity to it, as well as the willingness to support its laws and uphold its constitution. It reflects a deeper bond that integrates legal, moral, and ethical dimensions of citizenship.
Patriotism is often associated with love for one's country and can encompass a range of feelings and actions, but it does not specifically define the obligation aspect. Dedication often implies commitment but is less focused on the loyalty to a government. Commitment, while conveying a sense of responsibility and obligation, may not fully encompass the political and civic dimensions that allegiance entails. Therefore, allegiance is the most precise term to describe the duty a citizen has to their government.