Amendment III
Quartering of Soldiers
Ratified December 15, 1791
The Third Amendment addressed a direct colonial grievance — the Quartering Acts that forced colonists to house British troops. Though rarely litigated, it is cited as evidence that the founders viewed the home as a zone of absolute private sovereignty.
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.
Annotated Version
The Bill of Rights document includes phrase highlights and court case references for this amendment.
Constitutional Framework
Original Text
U.S. Constitution
Articles I–VII (1787). The three branches, enumerated powers, and the framework these amendments modify.
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Amendments I–X
Bill of Rights
Ratified December 15, 1791. Freedom of religion, speech, press, arms, due process, and more.
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Amendments XI–XXVII
Later Amendments
Ratified 1795–1992. Abolition of slavery, equal protection, women's suffrage, and more.
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