What is the term for the government's right to take private property for public use?

• A. The owner's right to sell property below market value
• B. A water rights claim on a property
• C. A homeowner's right of first refusal
• D. The government's right to take private property for public use

Answer: (A)

Eminent domain is the government’s power to take private property for public use, with just compensation to the owner. This authority lets authorities acquire land for projects that serve the public—think roads, schools, utilities, or parks. The owner is entitled to fair market value for the property, and the process is typically called condemnation if challenged.

In this context, the term you’re looking for isn’t about selling at below market value, water rights, or a right of first refusal. Those options describe other concepts: selling at a discount isn’t a government power; a water rights claim concerns priority or access to water; a right of first refusal is a contractual option to purchase before others. The government taking private property for public use with compensation is eminent domain.