Which term refers to the power of government to take private land for public use?

The correct term referring to the power of government to take private land for public use is eminent domain. This legal concept grants the government the authority to appropriate private property, provided that just compensation is offered to the property owner. This power is vital for the development of public infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and parks, which benefit the community as a whole.

Eminent domain operates under the principle that the needs of the public can sometimes take precedence over individual property rights, ensuring that the government can carry out projects that serve the greater good. The requirement for compensation is a critical aspect of this power, as it is intended to balance the scales between the government's need for land for public purposes and the rights of individual property owners.