What does the Fourth Amendment protect against?

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement and governmental authorities. This protection ensures a reasonable expectation of privacy and requires that law enforcement obtain a warrant based on probable cause before conducting a search or seizing property. This amendment is a crucial part of the Bill of Rights, emphasizing the importance of individual privacy and personal security against arbitrary governmental actions.

The other options reference protections under different amendments or legal principles. For example, the concept of excessive bail pertains to the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment and also addresses bail conditions. The right to bear arms is associated with the Second Amendment, which acknowledges an individual's right to possess firearms. Lastly, equal protection under the law is a principle primarily grounded in the Fourteenth Amendment, aimed at ensuring that individuals are treated equally under the law regardless of their background or characteristics. Each of these amendments serves a distinct purpose in upholding various rights, highlighting the comprehensive nature of legal protections in the U.S. Constitution.