Final answer:
Under the power of eminent domain, the government can take land for public use with compensation, whereas using police power, the government regulates its use to protect public welfare, such as through zoning regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Using police power, the government regulates the use of land. This is distinct from the power of eminent domain, where the government can take private property for public use with the obligation of providing just compensation. When the government exercises its police powers, it is typically through land-use regulation such as zoning, which controls the types of buildings and businesses that can exist in certain areas, the sizes of those structures, and other factors relevant to the planned urban or rural development. It does not involve seizing land, but rather setting restrictions on how landowners can use their property.
Police powers are grounded in the responsibility of the government to protect the welfare, safety, and health of the public, and these powers allow for regulations that influence various aspects of daily life, not just land use. On the other hand, eminent domain is a power typically used to acquire land for public use projects such as schools, highways, and parks, and has at times been controversial when utilized for economic development that favors private entities, as seen in the Kelo v. City of New London case.