What does the Fourth Amendment protect against?

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution is specifically designed to protect individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. This protection means that law enforcement must have probable cause and, in many cases, a warrant issued by a judge to conduct a search or seizure of property. The intention behind this amendment is to safeguard personal privacy and property, ensuring that citizens are not subjected to arbitrary or invasive actions by authorities.

The other options pertain to different rights enshrined in the Constitution. For example, protection against excessive bail and fines is addressed under the Eighth Amendment, while freedom of speech and assembly is protected under the First Amendment. The right against self-incrimination is part of the Fifth Amendment. Thus, the clarification of the Fourth Amendment focuses directly on the principle of privacy in one's person and possessions, distinguishing it from the other rights and protections outlined in the Bill of Rights.