The correct answer is B: Police power, Eminent domain, Taxation, and Escheat. PETE is a common licensing-exam mnemonic for four major governmental powers that can restrict or affect private real-property ownership.
Police power allows government to regulate property for public health, safety, morals, and general welfare. Zoning, building codes, environmental regulation, and health codes are common examples.
Eminent domain allows government to acquire private property for a public purpose subject to constitutional requirements for compensation. The legal proceeding through which the power is exercised is generally called condemnation.
Taxation allows government to impose property taxes and, following statutory procedures, enforce unpaid tax obligations against the real estate.
Escheat concerns property passing to the state when a person dies without legally recognized heirs or other valid disposition under applicable succession law.
These powers demonstrate why fee-simple ownership is extensive but never absolutely unrestricted.
Study Guide Reference: Land Use Controls and Regulations — Government Powers Affecting Real Property; PETE.
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