Final answer:
The government uses the process known as condemnation to take private land for public use, adhering to the rules of eminent domain as stated in the Fifth Amendment, which requires that the property serve a public good and that just compensation be provided to the owner. The correct option is c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process used by the government to take private land for public use is c. Condemnation, which is part of the eminent domain power. Under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, private property can be taken for public use, but it must meet two criteria: the property must serve "the public good," and also the government should provide "just compensation" to the owner. This practice has been upheld by courts historically and is meant to balance public interests with private property rights.
Significant cases like Kelo v. City of New London have highlighted the controversial nature of what constitutes "public use," especially when eminent domain is used for economic development projects that greatly benefit private enterprises at the expense of individual property owners.
In Kelo v. City of New London (2005), the Supreme Court interpreted "public use" to include public purpose, which allows the property to be taken for economic development that broadly benefits the community. However, this broad interpretation has led to conflicts, especially when private land is taken and given to another private party for supposed public benefit, stirring public debate and leading to legal changes in several states.
Hence, Option c is correct.