Final answer:
The doctrine of prior appropriation grants water rights based on 'first in time, first in right,' encouraging settlement and economic development.
Explanation:
The doctrine of prior appropriation addresses the system where water rights are granted based on the principle of 'first in time, first in right,' meaning the person with the oldest water right gets priority water use. This system encourages rapid settlement and economic development, especially in irrigated agriculture, in western states. It also establishes perpetual water rights for those who are first to put the water to beneficial use.
Learn more about Doctrine of prior appropriation here:
https://brainly.com/question/31600115
