Which of the following was a common characteristic of slave codes?

The regulation of the slaves' daily activities was indeed a common characteristic of slave codes. These codes were sets of laws established in various states to control the behavior of enslaved individuals and maintain the system of slavery. They dictated numerous aspects of daily life for enslaved people, including where they could go, who they could associate with, what work they were required to do, and how they were to be punished for various offenses. The goal of these regulations was to restrict the autonomy of enslaved individuals to prevent rebellion and maintain the status quo.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the nature of slave codes. Protections for enslaved individuals' rights did not exist within these codes; instead, they were designed to subjugate individuals and deny basic human rights. Encouragement of education for slaves was generally avoided by slaveholders who feared that an educated enslaved population would seek freedom or rebel against their oppressors. Lastly, freedom to travel without restrictions was heavily restricted; enslaved individuals required permission from their owners to leave their designated areas or engage with society beyond their immediate work environment. Thus, the only accurate choice among the options presented is the regulation of daily activities.