Which government action allows for the taking of private property for public use?

The correct answer is eminent domain, which is a significant legal concept that empowers the government to take private property for public use, provided that fair compensation is given to the owner. This authority is often exercised for projects that serve the public interest, such as building roads, schools, or parks. The concept is grounded in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which stipulates that private property cannot be taken for public use without just compensation, emphasizing the balance between private property rights and the needs of the community.

In contrast, land appropriation does not specifically refer to the legal doctrine of taking property for public use and may imply a broader or different context. Property acquisition generally refers to the process of obtaining property rights, which may not involve the legal force of eminent domain. Zone expansion involves the alteration of land-use regulations and does not directly relate to the taking of private properties for public benefit.