What does the Fourth Amendment protect against?

The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution specifically protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. This means that law enforcement officials must have a valid reason, typically supported by probable cause and, in most cases, a warrant issued by a judge, to search a person's property or seize their belongings. This protection is fundamental to preserving individuals' privacy rights and preventing arbitrary governmental interference in their personal lives.

The other choices do not pertain to the Fourth Amendment. Financial misconduct is generally addressed by various laws and regulations outside of constitutional protections, discrimination in voting relates to the Voting Rights Act and other civil rights protections, and defamation of character falls under tort law, dealing with false statements harming a person’s reputation. Understanding the specific scope of the Fourth Amendment clarifies its crucial role in protecting the right to privacy and maintaining limits on governmental power.