Which term describes the government's right to take private property for public use with compensation?

• A. Eminent domain
• B. Zoning determination
• C. Eminent possession
• D. Adverse possession

Answer: (A)

Eminent domain is the government's power to take private property for public use, as long as just compensation is paid to the owner. This is the concept behind why a road, school, or utility project can proceed, because the taking must serve a public purpose and the owner must receive fair market value for the property. The process is called condemnation, and the amount of compensation can be contested in court if the owner believes it’s not fair.

Zoning determination deals with land-use rules governments set for development and use of property, not the power to seize property. Adverse possession is about someone acquiring title through long, continuous use of land, not a government seizure. Eminent possession isn’t a recognized term for this power.