Ace the Civic Literacy Challenge 2026 – Unlock Your Citizen Superpower!

The phrase "That...keeping a standing army within the kingdom in the time of peace, ... is against the law" from the English Bill of Rights (1689) is reflected in the Third Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The Third Amendment specifically prohibits the quartering of soldiers in private homes during peacetime without the owner's consent. This was a direct response to British practices prior to the American Revolution, where colonists were often forced to house British troops.

This connection illustrates the Founding Fathers' desire to protect individual rights and limit government overreach in the lives of citizens. The Amendment embodies the principles of personal privacy and the sanctity of one's home, both of which resonate with the sentiments expressed in the English Bill of Rights regarding the standing army and the protection of individual liberties.

Understanding this relationship helps illuminate the historical context that influenced the framers of the U.S. Constitution and highlights the overarching theme of safeguarding citizens from potential abuses of power by the government.