What is the term for the right of the state to enforce order and protect the general welfare?

The term that refers to the state's right to enforce order and protect the general welfare is known as police power. This concept enables the government to regulate behavior and enforce standards to ensure the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the public.

Police power allows for regulations regarding land use, zoning laws, building codes, and public safety measures. It is vital in shaping how communities develop and function, balancing individual rights with the needs of the community as a whole.

Understanding this concept is essential in real estate, as it influences property values, development procedures, and the overall environment in which properties exist. The distinction of police power from terms like eminent domain—which pertains specifically to the government's right to take private property for public use—highlights its broader scope in regulating land use and societal standards.