What limits the military's ability to enforce law during peace time?

The correct answer is the Posse Comitatus Act. This act limits the use of federal military personnel to enforce domestic policies within the United States, asserting that the military cannot be used for law enforcement during peacetime without explicit authorization from Congress. The act was originally passed in 1878 and is a cornerstone of the principle that military forces should not operate independently within civilian law enforcement roles, to prevent the potential for military overreach and the erosion of civil liberties.

The Posse Comitatus Act essentially ensures that civil law enforcement remains under civilian control and protects the rights of citizens against the imposition of military authority in domestic affairs. This legislative framework reflects a long-standing commitment to maintaining a clear distinction between military and civilian operations. In contrast to this, the Insurrection Act provides a mechanism by which the military can be deployed to restore order during civil unrest or rebellion, but it is not a blanket authorization for law enforcement.

The National Defense Authorization Act and the Uniting and Strengthening America By Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act (commonly known as the USA PATRIOT Act) do not primarily focus on the limits of military enforcement of domestic law, but rather address national defense and counterterrorism initiatives. Therefore