What is the primary purpose of the Posse Comitatus Act?

The primary purpose of the Posse Comitatus Act is to maintain civilian control of military forces within the United States. This act was enacted in 1878 and aims to limit the powers of the federal government in using the military for domestic law enforcement. It reinforces the principle that the military should not be used as a policing force within civilian populations, thereby safeguarding the constitutional rights of citizens and ensuring that the military remains subordinate to civilian authority. This control is essential for the protection of democratic governance and the rule of law, reflecting the importance of civil liberties in American society.

The other options touch on aspects of military engagement and federal coordination but do not capture the core intent of the Posse Comitatus Act, which fundamentally seeks to delineate the military's role in civil matters to uphold democracy and prevent potential abuses of power by ensuring the military does not take on police roles in civilian issues.