If someone decides to run for office, whether local, state or federal, they take an oath when sworn in to uphold & defend the constitution, but most are not doing that(& we know it). Most are fulfilling an opening in office for the power & money.
What's the point of taking an oath by raising your right hand & not upholding it? - Greed/power. I had to take this oath when I joined the Navy as many other active duty & retired vets have. I swore to it. It meant something. I certainly didn't do it for the $ or power at the time, but there are many who "brown nose" their way to the top. My husband has always said to make it as far as a general, there is always a lot of politicking done & ass kissing. Then when they retire they write books or chair some board of a corporation.
Many of our representatives are veterans who do NOT uphold this oath. They don't seem to have any morals or values & do whatever fits their own agenda or whoever tells them what to do cuz they are compromised.

According to my mother when my dad, as a Major, held a promising career advancing assignment to Mather AFB, a SAC base circa 1958 he eventually was invited to the Col's house for one of his Saturday night parties .. which were 'men only' affairs .. no wives invited. The Col was single and had a 15 yo Philippino boy he referred to as his 'house boy'.
After one such 'party' my dad refused to go to any others. His next assignment was a career killing move to head the ROTC program at a decidedly liberal university from which he eventually retired.

Sick, but that's how the game is played whether military or civilian. My husband was in the Navy way before I was & told me the days of when the wives of the officers were also scrutinized by the higher ranking officer's wives. If certain wives didn't show up for this or that it affected their husband's career. My husband wasn't married then, only to me, but not sure if that still continues, wouldn't be surprised if it did. My husband was a Lt. when he got out. He was turned down for advancement twice cuz he didn't kiss ass enough, so he got out. He knew if he continued to secure higher rank he'd be sittin behind a desk & he wanted fly. Your dad was a smart & moral man. I'm sure they were testing him at that time.

Yes and as you say very much was expected of officer's wives. Made her a nervous wreck.