What legal action did Lincoln suspend that prevents the arrest of an individual without probable cause?

The correct choice highlights Lincoln's suspension of habeas corpus, which is a legal principle that protects individuals from being arrested and detained without sufficient cause or evidence against them. This action was taken during the Civil War as a means to maintain public order and suppress dissent in a time of national crisis. By suspending habeas corpus, Lincoln authorized the detention of individuals without the usual legal protections that would require authorities to present evidence or justify an arrest, thereby allowing the government greater latitude to manage potential threats to the Union.

The significance of this action lies in its impact on civil liberties and the extent of executive power during a time of emergency. While it was argued that this suspension was necessary to preserve the nation, it also sparked debates about government overreach and the importance of protecting individual rights. The context of war, particularly with the Confederate rebellion, made Lincoln's decision controversial but strategically deemed necessary for the Union's survival.