Certified Residential Appraiser Practice Exam

What are the four powers of government regarding land?

1. Taxation, development, planning, and zoning

2. Police power, eminent domain, taxation, and escheat

3. Regulation, enforcement, taxation, and ownership

4. Control, destruction, taxation, and allocation

The correct answer is: Police power, eminent domain, taxation, and escheat

The four powers of government regarding land encompass essential tools that enable authorities to manage land use and property rights effectively. The correct grouping—police power, eminent domain, taxation, and escheat—represents the fundamental powers that governments wield in relation to real property. Police power refers to the government's authority to create regulations aimed at protecting public health, safety, and welfare. This includes zoning laws, building codes, and land use planning, which help ensure that development aligns with community goals and standards. Eminent domain is the government's right to take private property for public use, provided that just compensation is given to the property owner. This power is essential for enabling public projects such as roads, schools, and parks. Taxation involves the government's ability to levy taxes on properties, which serves as a means to generate revenue for public services and infrastructure. Property taxes are a significant source of funding for local governments. Escheat is the process whereby property reverts to state ownership when an owner dies without a will or legal heirs. This power ensures that land is not left ownerless and can eventually be put to use for the public benefit. The other options do not accurately capture the comprehensive scope of these governmental powers concerning land. For instance, while development