The power of the government to take private property for public use, with just compensation, is known as?

• A. Eminent Domain
• B. Expropriation
• C. Asset Forfeiture
• D. Public Use Authority

Answer: (A)

Eminent domain is the government's power to take private property for public use, with just compensation. This idea comes from the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment, which requires that when property is taken, the owner receives fair payment and the use serves the public interest. In the United States, this term is the standard description of the process. Expropriation is a term used in some other countries or contexts, not the typical US label for this the way eminent domain is. Asset forfeiture involves seizing assets tied to crime, not taking property for a public purpose with compensation. Public Use Authority isn’t a recognized term for this concept. In practice, the scope of “public use” has been interpreted broadly to include many projects that benefit the public, so long as compensation is provided.