What is the power of government to promote the health, safety, and welfare of society referred to as?

The power of government to promote the health, safety, and welfare of society is known as police power. This regulatory power allows governments to enact laws and regulations that protect the public interest, manage land use, and ensure the well-being of the community. Police power is often exercised in areas such as zoning laws, building codes, and health regulations, all aimed at maintaining public order and protecting citizens from harm.

In contrast, eminent domain refers to the government’s ability to take private property for public use while providing just compensation to the owner. Zoning, on the other hand, is a tool used under the umbrella of police power to categorize land for specific uses, ensuring that communities develop in an organized way. Laissez-faire represents a philosophy of minimal government intervention in economic affairs, which contrasts with the proactive role of police power in regulating society for its overall welfare.