What is the term used to describe the act of giving ownership of 160 acres of land to individuals who meet government requirements?

The term that describes the act of giving ownership of 160 acres of land to individuals who meet government requirements is "Homestead." This concept is most famously associated with the Homestead Act of 1862, which aimed to encourage westward expansion in the United States. Under this act, any adult citizen or intended citizen could claim such a plot of land, and after a period of residence and improvements, they could obtain the title to the land for a small fee. This initiative was significant in shaping the settlement patterns and agricultural development in regions including North Dakota, as it provided opportunities for many individuals and families to acquire land and establish farms.

The other options, while related to land distribution or settlement, do not specifically describe the act of granting land under the specified conditions defined by the Homestead Act. A "Land Grant" typically refers to land designated by the government for specific purposes such as education or military use. "Land Allocation" is a more general term relating to the distribution of land, and the "Settlement Act" could pertain to a variety of legislative acts but does not specifically signify the same process as the Homestead Act in terms of land ownership transfer.