Which term describes the government's right to acquire private property for public use?

• A. Condemnation
• B. Eminent domain
• C. Will
• D. Adverse possession

Answer: (B)

The government's right to acquire private property for public use is called eminent domain. This power allows a public entity to take private land for projects like roads, schools, or utilities, with just compensation paid to the owner. When this power is exercised through the legal process, it’s called condemnation—the formal taking and any required proceedings to complete it. The other terms aren’t about the government’s authority to take land: a will deals with distributing property after death, and adverse possession is a way someone can gain ownership by continuous, long-term use. Condemnation describes the process, but eminent domain is the authority behind it.