Boston Massacre

Words: 670
Pages: 3

“We the people” are some of the most important and well recognized words in the modern world. On June 21, 1788, the newfound nation of the United States of America ratified a constitution that would change humanity’s perspective on equality and human rights. The United States Constitution thoroughly addresses the desired rights of equitable civilian-military relations the American people voiced through the Revolution, including quartering of soldiers, protection against the law, and the use of armies in times of peace.
The newly founded American public made clear their avid hatred of the Quartering Act and why they believed it was so important to include it as an offence in the new Constitution. In 1774, British Parliament passed the Quartering Act, therefore allowing troops to be quartered in private facilities and be given any supplies they requested. The colonists had no say in refusing services and were forced to share whatever they had. The
…show more content…
The military was given pardon over the law by order of the king and avoided harsher punishments for the crimes they committed. The Boston Massacre of 1770 displays a case of murders by British soldiers. Although they did not commence the occurrence, the soldiers mortally wounded five men. A trial was held, but the worst punishment given was a branding on a finger. The American people did not take well to the venal trial and included this in the List of Grievances in the Declaration as well, “He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.” Consequently, the U.S. Constitution confronts the issue with, “To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces”. Hence, Congress creates laws for the government of the people and all the branches of the military. Thus, the people receive the same amount of rights under law as the