Eminent domain is the power of the government to take private property for public use, provided that the owner is compensated fairly. This process is often used for projects like building roads, schools, or parks, which benefit the community as a whole. The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects property owners by requiring that just compensation be paid when their property is taken. This ensures that while the government can acquire land for public purposes, individuals are not left without fair payment for their loss.