What does PETE stand for in the context of government powers?

• A. Waste management and zoning
• B. Environmental liability
• C. Police powers eminent domain taxation & escheat
• D. Marketable title restrictions

Answer: (C)

PETE refers to the four government powers that affect private property: police powers, eminent domain, taxation, and escheat.

Police powers authorize regulation of land use and property to protect health, safety, and welfare, which is why zoning, building codes, and environmental rules fall under this category. Eminent domain gives the government the right to take private property for a public use, with just compensation to the owner. Taxation encompasses the government’s power to levy taxes, including property taxes that fund local services. Escheat is the process by which property reverts to the state when there is no will or no legal heirs.

This combination is what the acronym PETE represents, making it the best match. The other options describe concepts that aren’t the standard four government powers affecting property, such as waste management and zoning as a single item, environmental liability, or marketable title restrictions.