Question

Nationhood and national unity is a compelling and valid state interest. we feel very certain that congress has the power to both adopt a national symbol and to take steps to prevent the destruction of that symbol, to protect the symbol . . . we believe that if a symbol is . . . abused that it can in fact, lose its symbolic effect. according to texas's attorney, why should the flag be protected? to uphold it as a symbol of unity to prevent other symbols from being adopted to allow it to lose its symbolic effect to preserve it as a symbol of nationhood to protect its effect as a symbol

Answer 1

To uphold it as a symbol of unity
To preserve it as a symbol of nationhood
To protect its effect as a symbol

Answer 2

ANSWER: To protect its effect as a symbol.

The narrator highlights the importance of the effect of the flag has as a symbol. The flag is a symbol of nationhood and national unity. Therefore, if the flag is destructed or used with no respect, it'd be as if doing the same to what it symbolizes: the unity and nationhood of the country. And according to the author, that is enough reason to protect it.