What does the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 primarily aim to protect?

The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 primarily aims to protect state sovereignty over law enforcement by restricting the use of federal military forces in domestic law enforcement activities. This legislation was enacted in the aftermath of the Reconstruction era to ensure that the federal military could not be used to enforce local laws or suppress civil rights within the states, thereby maintaining a clear distinction between civilian law enforcement and military operations.

This act is significant because it embodies the principle that the military should not be an instrument of domestic policy, thereby supporting the autonomy of state governments in maintaining order and enforcing laws. The intention is to uphold civil liberties and prevent any potential overreach of federal power into areas that are traditionally the responsibility of state and local authorities, thereby reinforcing the importance of a civilian-controlled law enforcement system.