What does the term "eminent domain" refer to?

The term "eminent domain" refers specifically to the government's right to take private property for public use, provided that the property owner is compensated fairly. This legal principle allows the government to acquire land for projects deemed beneficial to the public, such as highways, schools, or parks. The compensation is usually based on the fair market value of the property at the time of acquisition, ensuring that the landowner is not left at a loss. This concept is rooted in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation.

The other options do not accurately describe eminent domain; they involve rights and actions related to property ownership and use, but they do not encompass the government's authority to expropriate private property for the greater good of the community.