**What does it mean when a government exercises eminent domain?**
When a government exercises eminent domain, it invokes its right to take private property for public use, typically with compensation to the property owner. This power is justified by the need for public projects, such as highways, schools, or parks, that benefit the community. However, the exercise of eminent domain can spark controversies, particularly regarding the adequacy of compensation and the definition of "public use." The process often involves legal procedures and may be challenged in courts, reflecting the tension between individual property rights and governmental authority.