Final answer:
Eminent domain is the state's power to take private property for public use, which is allowed under the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution with just compensation. It has been used traditionally for public infrastructure but also controversially for economic redevelopment. The correct definition is B. the power of the state to seize private property for a public purpose.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eminent domain is the power of the state to seize private property for a public purpose. In the United States, this power is recognized by the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution, which permits the government to take private property provided there is 'just compensation' for the owner. This constitutional balance is intended to allow for the property to be used for the public good, such as building roads, schools, or other public infrastructure.
The Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment lays the foundation for eminent domain, requiring that the taking be for 'public use' and that 'just compensation' be provided. Traditionally, this has been interpreted to include clear public uses such as transportation corridors and infrastructure projects.
However, the scope of what constitutes a public purpose has expanded to include economic development, leading to controversial cases like Kelo v. City of New London, which allowed the taking of private property for economic redevelopment believed to benefit the community.
In response to public backlash and concerns over property rights, numerous states have passed legislation to restrict the use of eminent domain, ensuring that it is not used excessively or unfairly against private landowners, especially for private economic development projects. These legal changes aim to protect individuals from having their property seized and reallocated for uses that may primarily benefit private entities rather than the public at large.
Overall, the correct option for the definition of eminent domain is B. the power of the state to seize private property for a public purpose.