Final answer:
The term 'Homestead' (A) correctly describes the ownership of land by settling on it, referring to the Homestead Act of 1862, which promoted westward expansion and agricultural growth in the American West.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of ownership of land by settling on it is best described by the term Homestead (A). The Homestead Act of 1862 was a critical legislative measure passed by the U.S. Congress to encourage westward migration. This act allowed settlers to claim 160 acres of public land by improving it and residing on it for a period of five years. The aim was not only to populate the West but also to expand agricultural production and to prevent the potential westward expansion of slavery. It played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of the American West, contributing to United States westward expansion and the growth of agricultural output. Alongside the Homestead Act, the federal government also focused on creating the Transcontinental Railroad to facilitate the movement of people and goods across the vast country.