Amendment III
Ratified: December 15, 1791
Summary
Prohibits the forced quartering of soldiers in private homes.
Full Text
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.
History and Context
This amendment, which seems obscure today, was a direct and furious response to British tyranny. The Quartering Acts, which forced American colonists to house and feed British soldiers in their own homes, were among the most hated of the 'Intolerable Acts.' It was seen as a profound violation of the sanctity of the home and the rights of property owners. The Third Amendment was a clear declaration: an American's home is their castle, and the government's army may not enter it at will. It reinforces the principle of civilian authority over the military.