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
limited government

Answer 1

The correct answer is free speech. Jefferson expresses the value of free speech in this excerpt by stating that his neighbor's belief in multiple gods or no god does not harm him in any way. This indicates that individuals should have the freedom to express their beliefs without interference from the government.