59. Which phrase from the English Bill of Rights (1689) is reflected in the Third Amendment?
Answer: A
That keeping a standing army within the kingdom in time of peace is against law
The phrase from the English Bill of Rights (1689) that states keeping a standing army within the kingdom in time of peace is against law directly parallels the Third Amendment, which prohibits the quartering of soldiers in private homes during peacetime without consent.
A) That . . . keeping a standing army within the kingdom in time of peace, . . . is against law
This option is correct because it directly addresses the concerns that led to the Third Amendment. Both documents reflect the apprehension about military presence in civilian life during peacetime, emphasizing the need for individual privacy and autonomy from government intrusion.
B) That excessive bail ought not to be required . . . nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted
This option is incorrect as it pertains to the rights of individuals in the criminal justice system, focusing on bail and punishment rather than military presence in civilian homes. It does not relate to the issue of quartering soldiers or the implications of standing armies in peacetime.
C) That the . . . power of suspending the laws . . . without the consent of Parliament is illegal
This option is also incorrect because it addresses legislative authority and the legal framework of governance rather than the specific issue of military presence or quartering of troops. It does not connect to the core concerns represented in the Third Amendment.
D) That election of members . . . ought to be free
This option is incorrect as it focuses on the electoral process and the rights of citizens to choose their representatives. It is unrelated to the military context addressed in both the English Bill of Rights and the Third Amendment regarding the presence of soldiers in peaceful situations.
Conclusion
The correct answer, option A, clearly ties the concerns of the English Bill of Rights to the protections afforded by the Third Amendment, highlighting the principle of preventing military interference in civilian life during peacetime. In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of rights and governance that do not relate to the issue of quartering soldiers, thus failing to connect with the essence of the Third Amendment.