Which action is most likely to cause tension between individualism and rule of law?

The action that most likely causes tension between individualism and the rule of law is the implementation of harsher criminal penalties for the use of recreational drugs. Individualism emphasizes personal freedom and the autonomy of individuals to make their own choices, including decisions about what substances to consume. When the government imposes strict laws and severe penalties concerning personal behavior—such as drug use—it can be seen as infringing upon personal liberties and autonomy.

This clash arises because individuals may feel their right to choose how they live their lives is being constrained by laws that deem their choices illegal, leading to debates about the extent to which society should regulate personal conduct for the sake of the common good. The tension lies in balancing the need for a cohesive legal framework that promotes public safety and welfare with respect for individual freedoms, illustrating the often controversial nature of legislation surrounding personal behavior.

In contrast, the other choices, while they may have their own political implications, do not create a direct conflict between a person's individual rights and the rigid enforcement of laws in the same way that more punitive drug policies do. For example, promoting diversity in corporate leadership, decreasing military spending, or increasing environmental regulations tend to focus on collective societal goals without directly impeding individual freedoms as explicitly as criminal penalties for