Why do we have a quartering act?
Why is the quartering act in the bill of rights, it seems like such a stupid thing to be amendment three, why was this such a big deal?
#history #revolution #americanhistory #constitution
Answers
So we don't actually have a quartering act in the United States but we do have the 3rd amendment which protects you from having to provide shelter to soldiers in your home. This amendment was largely put into place due to The Quartering Act of 1765. This was passed by the British Parliament and required the American colonists to provide shelter to British soldiers.
The reason this amendment is important is it prevents the military from using private residences of citizens during peace time without the owners consent. It also limits the use of private residences during wartime.
Its a rarely thought of amendment in modern times but I'm sure we'll be happy we have it if the time ever came that is was needed.
The actual text is:
"No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law."