The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. It requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant, supported by probable cause, before searching a person's property or seizing their belongings. This amendment is part of the Bill of Rights, which was ratified in 1791. The Fourth Amendment aims to ensure privacy and security for individuals, limiting the power of the government. It applies to various situations, including searches of homes, vehicles, and personal effects. Violations of this amendment can lead to evidence being excluded from court proceedings, a principle known as the exclusionary rule.