PSI Virginia Real Estate Practice Exam

What does police power allow the government to do regarding land use?

1. Take private property without compensation

2. Enact and enforce laws governing land use

3. Assess property taxes

4. Condemn property for public use

The correct answer is: Enact and enforce laws governing land use

Police power grants the government the authority to regulate land use through the establishment and enforcement of laws and ordinances. This power is exercised to promote the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the community. Local governments, for instance, utilize police power to create zoning laws that dictate how land can be utilized— including residential, commercial, and industrial purposes. This ensures that land use is orderly, compatible, and benefits the public at large. In the context of the other options, while taking private property without compensation refers to the concept of eminent domain, which is not what police power encompasses, assessing property taxes is a separate function of the government related to taxation rather than land use regulation. Condemning property for public use also relates to eminent domain, which involves compensation and is distinct from police power directives. Thus, the emphasis of police power solely pertains to the ability to enact and enforce laws governing land use.