The four powers of government that limit ownership rights are which of the following?

• A. Police power; Taxation; Eminent domain; Zoning
• B. Taxation; Police power; Escheat; Eminent domain
• C. Power of taxation; Police power; Eminent domain; Intellectual property rights
• D. Power of taxation; Power of eminent domain; Police power; Power of escheat

Answer: (D)

Ownership rights in real estate are limited by four fundamental government powers: the power to tax, the power to regulate (police power), the power of eminent domain, and escheat. Taxation can affect ownership by imposing charges that reduce net value or alter ownership costs. Police power encompasses zoning, building codes, and health and safety regulations that restrict how property can be used. Eminent domain allows the government to take private property for public use with compensation. Escheat happens when property reverts to the state when there are no heirs or rightful claimants.

The correct option lists these four exact powers: power of taxation, power of eminent domain, police power, and power of escheat. The other choices mix in items like zoning as a separate power or include intellectual property rights, which do not govern real property ownership in the same way.