Which amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures?

The Fourth Amendment is the correct choice because it specifically addresses the issue of unreasonable searches and seizures. This amendment is a cornerstone of American constitutional law, intending to safeguard individuals' privacy and security against arbitrary governmental intrusion. It requires law enforcement to have probable cause and, in most cases, to obtain a warrant before conducting searches or seizures of property.

The rationale behind this amendment reflects the framers' concern about the abuses experienced under British rule, where general warrants were often used without specificity or just cause. By establishing the requirement for reasonable grounds for searches, the Fourth Amendment ensures that citizens are protected from unlawful intrusions by the government.

Other amendments mentioned do not inherently focus on searches and seizures. The First Amendment deals with freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition. The Fifth Amendment addresses rights in criminal cases, including protection against self-incrimination and double jeopardy. The Sixth Amendment outlines the rights of defendants in criminal prosecutions, including the right to a fair trial. Each of these plays an important role in protecting individual rights, but they do not specifically tackle the issue of searches and seizures in the manner that the Fourth Amendment does.