Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Practice Exam

Which amendment prohibits the federal government from quartering soldiers in private homes during peacetime?

1. First Amendment

2. Third Amendment

3. Fifth Amendment

4. Ninth Amendment

The correct answer is: Third Amendment

The Third Amendment to the United States Constitution specifically prohibits the federal government from quartering soldiers in private homes during peacetime without the owner's consent. This amendment was a direct response to the practices of the British military before and during the American Revolution, where soldiers were often housed in private residences without the homeowners' approval, which was a significant grievance for the colonists. By enshrining this right, the Third Amendment reflects the value placed on individual privacy and the sanctity of one's home. It underscores the principle that the government cannot impose on citizens' personal spaces without just cause, particularly in times when there is no threat to public safety that would necessitate such action. This amendment is not as frequently discussed as others, like the First or Fourth, but it is critical in establishing the boundaries of governmental authority over private property in residential contexts during peacetime.