Some people believe that the USA Patriot Act and Homeland Security Act, passed after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, violate the Fourth Amendment, which guarantees that U.S. citizens have the right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and belongings against unreasonable searches and seizures. Through full-color and black-and-white photographs, engaging text, and primary sources, this book examines the events leading up to the creation and ratification of the Fourth Amendment and its impact on modern American life, including how the Supreme Court must balance the rights of the individual against the needs of the government to keep the nation safe and how technological advances affect our privacy. Sidebars, a list of all ten Bill of Rights, and a glossary are also included.