45. Which phrase from the English Bill of Rights (1689) is reflected in the Third Amendment?
Answer: A
The phrase from the English Bill of Rights reflected in the Third Amendment is about the prohibition of keeping a standing army in peacetime.
This aligns with the Third Amendment’s protection against the quartering of soldiers in private homes during peacetime, emphasizing the importance of individual rights and limiting government power.
A) "That ... keeping a standing army within the kingdom in time of peace, . . . is against law"
This option is correct as it directly relates to the Third Amendment, which prohibits the quartering of soldiers in private homes during peacetime without the homeowner's consent. The sentiment expressed in this phrase underscores the desire to protect citizens from military intrusion, reflecting the same principle of safeguarding personal liberties.
B) "That excessive bail ought not to be required . . . nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted"
This option is incorrect as it addresses the rights of individuals in the context of criminal justice, specifically relating to bail and the treatment of individuals under punishment. While important, it does not pertain to the issues of military presence or quartering as outlined in the Third Amendment.
C) "That the . . . power of suspending the laws . . . without the consent of Parliament is illegal"
This statement focuses on legislative authority and the importance of parliamentary consent, which is unrelated to the specific concerns of military quartering. Thus, it does not reflect the principles embodied in the Third Amendment.
D) "That election of members . . . ought to be free"
This option pertains to electoral rights and the integrity of elections, which is distinctly different from the military-related concerns of the Third Amendment. It does not connect to the issue of quartering troops or the presence of a standing army during peacetime.
Conclusion
The correct answer is A, as it directly connects the prohibition against maintaining a standing army in peacetime to the protections offered by the Third Amendment regarding the quartering of soldiers. Other options, while important in their own contexts, do not address the specific issue of military presence in private homes and thus fail to reflect the core principle tested in the question.