Which of the following actions would create the most tension between the competing values of rule of law and limited government?

The action of investigating journalists for publishing news stories critical of the president creates significant tension between the values of rule of law and limited government. The rule of law emphasizes that all individuals and entities, including government officials, are subject to the law and must operate within its bounds. It advocates for accountability and protection of rights, particularly the freedom of the press.

By investigating journalists who report critically, the government may infringe upon their rights and deter free expression and dissent. This can lead to an environment where the government exercises excessive power over the media, contradicting the principle of limited government, which seeks to prevent overreach and protect individual freedoms from potential abuses by those in authority.

This action stands in stark contrast to the other options presented, which focus more on promoting social values and equity without threatening the foundational principles of governance and legal accountability. Establishing programs related to the arts or investigating discrimination in housing and corporate policies to promote diversity do not inherently conflict with the rule of law or the premise of limited government. Instead, they aim to enhance societal welfare while respecting legal structures.