Final answer:
Eminent domain is the power of the government to take private property for public use, providing fair compensation to property owners. Its purpose is to allow essential projects to proceed and benefit the public. However, controversy arises when eminent domain is used for economic development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eminent domain is the power of the government to take private property for public use, while providing fair compensation to the property owners. Its main purpose is to serve the public good by allowing essential projects, such as transportation corridors and infrastructure development, to proceed without being blocked by individual landowners. However, there has been controversy over the use of eminent domain for economic development, where private property is taken for the benefit of corporations or wealthy individuals. This has led to legal changes in many states, making it harder to use eminent domain for economic redevelopment purposes.