What does the 4th amendment protect?

The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution is primarily focused on protecting individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. This amendment stipulates that law enforcement must have probable cause and, in many cases, obtain a warrant issued by a judge to conduct searches and seize property. This serves to safeguard personal privacy and to limit the power of the government, thereby ensuring that citizens have the right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects. The emphasis on "unreasonable" highlights the balance between societal interests in law enforcement and the individual's right to privacy.