Which amendment prohibits excessive bail and fines?

The Eighth Amendment is the correct answer because it specifically addresses issues related to bail, fines, and cruel and unusual punishment. This amendment is part of the Bill of Rights and was ratified in 1791, protecting individuals from excessive financial burdens that could be imposed by the judicial system. The phrase "excessive bail shall not be required" ensures that bail cannot be set at a level that is unreasonably high, and this principle is rooted in the idea of fairness and justice in the legal process.

The Eighth Amendment also protects against excessive fines, which means that the government cannot impose disproportionately punitive financial penalties that would be unfair or oppressive to individuals. This regulation aims to maintain a balance between the power of the state and the rights of individuals, ensuring that punishment and financial consequences are commensurate with the offenses committed.

Other options such as the First Amendment, Fourth Amendment, and Tenth Amendment address different rights and issues, such as freedom of speech, protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the distribution of powers between the federal government and the states, respectively. None of these amendments specifically include provisions regarding bail and fines, making the Eighth Amendment the clear and appropriate choice.