What does eminent domain allow the government to do?

Eminent domain is a legal principle that grants the government the right to take private property for public use, provided that the property owner receives just compensation. This process is based on the understanding that the government may need to acquire land for projects that benefit the public, such as building roads, schools, or parks. The requirement for compensation ensures that the property owner is fairly reimbursed for their loss, which is a fundamental aspect of the eminent domain process.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the established principles of eminent domain. For instance, the notion of forcing sales without compensation contradicts the requirement that property owners be compensated for their property. Approving aesthetics of new properties falls outside the scope of eminent domain, as this concept focuses on the outright appropriation of property rather than aesthetic considerations. Similarly, while zoning laws may be modified by governmental entities, this process operates independently of eminent domain; zoning changes do not involve the taking of private property. Therefore, the correct understanding of eminent domain focuses on the appropriation of property balanced by the obligation of compensation.