What is the primary purpose of eminent domain?

The primary purpose of eminent domain is to allow the government to acquire private property for public use, which is typically done through a legal process known as condemnation. This authority enables the government to take private land, but it is required to provide just compensation to the property owner. The rationale behind this power is that certain public necessities, such as infrastructure, schools, or parks, cannot be achieved without the use of private land. The process ensures that the government's need for land for public projects can be met while simultaneously recognizing and protecting the rights of property owners.

Other options do not accurately reflect the proper use of eminent domain. For instance, transferring land ownership to private entities is not a primary goal of eminent domain, as the focus is on public use. Similarly, providing land for free does not align with the legal and compensatory aspects of property acquisition through eminent domain. Ensuring that landowners build on their property is not linked to the concept of eminent domain, which primarily concerns the government's ability to take land for public projects rather than regulating individual land use.