The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated. Amendment Four to the Constitution was ratified on December 15, 1791.It protects the American people from unreasonable searches and seizures. The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits the federal government from conducting "unreasonable searches and seizures. In this session, students will examine the historical context and the drafting of the Fourth Amendment. The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects citizens' privacy. The right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures has its roots in English history. The Fourth Amendment protects us from unreasonable search and seizures of our person, our house, our papers, and our effects. At the time the Fourth Amendment was written "papers" were records of business, ideas, and identity. The 4 th Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees freedom from unreasonable search and seizure.