What legal concept allows the government to acquire private property for public use?

The concept that allows the government to acquire private property for public use is known as eminent domain. This legal principle grants the government the power to take private property and convert it into public use, provided that the owner is given just compensation. The purpose of eminent domain is to enable the government to carry out projects that serve the public interest, such as building roads, schools, or parks, while protecting property owners’ rights by ensuring they receive fair payment for their property.

In contrast, adverse possession is related to acquiring property through continuous and open use over a specified period, rather than through government action. A quiet title action is a legal proceeding used to settle disputes over property ownership, typically used to clear title issues. Grantor rights usually refer to the rights held by a property owner who transfers or sells property to another party, which does not involve the government taking action. Therefore, eminent domain is specifically tailored to address the government's power over private property for public benefit, making it the correct answer.