What does the 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protect against?

The 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution specifically protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. This protection requires law enforcement to have probable cause and, in most cases, a warrant issued by a judge before conducting searches of personal property or making arrests. The intent behind this amendment is to safeguard individual privacy and maintain a balance between the power of the state and the rights of individuals. This foundational principle helps to ensure that citizens are not subjected to arbitrary and invasive government actions without due process or justification.

In contrast, involuntary confessions relate to the 5th Amendment, which protects against self-incrimination. Exceeding jurisdiction typically concerns the authority of law enforcement or government entities and does not fall under the scope of the 4th Amendment. Double jeopardy, outlined in the 5th Amendment as well, protects individuals from being tried for the same crime twice, which is also outside the focus of the 4th Amendment's provisions. Therefore, the correct choice directly reflects the constitutional guarantee against unreasonable searches and seizures.