The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.

Question

The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.

Question
Use the excerpt to answer the question.
Which of the following American values was expressed by Jefferson in this excerpt?
(1 point)
Responses

free speech
free speech
self-reliance
self-reliance
religious freedom
religious freedom
limited government

Answer 1

The answer is free speech.

Answer 2

The American value expressed by Jefferson in this excerpt is religious freedom.

Answer 3

The value expressed by Jefferson in this excerpt is free speech. In the passage, Jefferson argues that government should only have power over acts that cause harm to others. He specifically mentions that it does him no injury when his neighbor holds different beliefs about gods or the lack thereof. This suggests that individuals should have the freedom to express their opinions and beliefs without government interference, which aligns with the American value of free speech.