What does the Third Amendment prohibit during peacetime?

The Third Amendment of the United States Constitution specifically prohibits the compulsory housing of soldiers in private homes during peacetime without the consent of the owner. This amendment reflects the historical context of the American Revolution, where colonists were often required to quarter British soldiers in their homes, often against their will. The framers of the Constitution sought to ensure that citizens would not be subjected to similar impositions, emphasizing the importance of personal privacy and the sanctity of one's home.

This protection is particularly relevant in discussions about individual rights and the limits of government power, highlighting a foundational principle that people's homes are places of security and privacy from government intrusion, particularly when no national emergency exists.