Amy Docent, a state college instructor, was discharged because of her refusal to comply with a state statute requiring public employees to swear or affirm that they will (1) "uphold and defend" the state and federal constitutions and (2) "oppose the overthrow" of the state or federal government "by force, violence, or any improper method." The statute had previously been held constitutional by the state supreme court. Docent filed a complaint in federal district court alleging the unconstitutionality of the statute and seeking an injunction and damages. Which of the following is the state's strongest argument for sustaining the validity of the statute?
Government employment is a privilege, not a right.  The oath as a whole is only a commitment to abide by constitutional processes. The First and Fourteenth Amendments permit a state to fix the conditions of state employment. The state has a compelling need to keep disloyal persons out of governmental positions of trust
Question: Amy Docent, a state college instructor, was discharged because of her refusal to comply with a state statute requiring public employees to swear or affirm that they will (1) "uphold and defend" the state and federal constitutions and (2) "oppose the overthrow" of the state or federal government "by force, violence, or any improper method." The statute had previously been held constitutional by the state supreme court. Docent filed a complaint in federal district court alleging the unconstitutionality of the statute and seeking an injunction and damages. Which of the following is the state's strongest argument for sustaining the validity of the statute?
A. Government employment is a privilege, not a right. 
B. The oath as a whole is only a commitment to abide by constitutional processes.
C. The First and Fourteenth Amendments permit a state to fix the conditions of state employment.
D. The state has a compelling need to keep disloyal persons out of governmental positions of trust
Answer: