Which term best defines eminent domain?

The term that best defines eminent domain is the power of the government to take private property for public use. This legal principle allows the government to acquire private land, but it is required to provide just compensation to the property owner. Eminent domain is rooted in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that private property cannot be taken for public use without just compensation. This power is often exercised for projects that serve the public interest, such as building roads, schools, or other infrastructure.

The other options do not capture the essence of eminent domain. The right of a corporation to acquire land pertains to land acquisition practices in a commercial context, which is distinct from governmental powers. Declaring a property invalid refers to legal procedures regarding property rights, which is unrelated to the concept of taking property for public benefit. Lastly, the right of individuals to own property speaks to property rights rather than the government's authority to take property, making it unrelated to the concept of eminent domain.