The small bit concealed by The Patriot Act (4)
I believe the answer is:
iota
'the small bit' is the definition.
'iota' can be an answer for 'bit' (I have seen 'Tiny bit' mean 'iota' so perhaps 'bit' could also mean 'iota'). I am not certain of the 'the small' bit.
'concealed by the patriot act' is the wordplay.
'concealed' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'IOTA' is hidden within 'by patriot act'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for iota that I've seen before include "Tiniest scrap" , "Ninthe letter of the Greek alphabet" , "Just a jot, like Greek letter" , "Tiny or scarcely detectable amount" , "Greek letter - minimal amount" .)