Which of the following was NOT a characteristic of slave codes?

The correct answer highlights that guaranteeing education was not a characteristic of slave codes. Slave codes were a set of laws that governed the behavior of enslaved people and established their lack of rights. These codes were designed to control the large population of enslaved individuals and ensure that they remained subservient.

Legal restrictions on movement were a fundamental aspect of slave codes, as enslaved individuals were typically not allowed to travel freely or leave their plantations without permission. The denial of rights was central to these codes, as enslaved individuals were denied basic human rights and treated as property rather than people. Additionally, enforcement through violence was commonly used to maintain control over enslaved populations, fostering an environment of fear and obedience.

In contrast, there was no provision within slave codes that supported the education of enslaved individuals. In many regions, laws actually prohibited teaching enslaved people to read and write, as literacy was seen as a potential means for rebellion and escape. This underscores the oppressive nature of slave codes and the lengths to which societies would go to maintain the system of slavery.