Answer :
Final answer:
The supreme power to take land for public welfare is known as eminent domain, allowing the government to acquire private property for public use with just compensation. This principle is enshrined in the Fifth Amendment and has led to significant legal and public debates.
Explanation:
The supreme power inherent in the state to take land from the owner by due process of law when necessary for the state's use in the public welfare is b) Eminent domain. Eminent domain is a constitutional principle found in the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which allows the government to take private property for public use, provided that just compensation is offered to the property owners.
This principle supports the view that certain projects which benefit the public, such as the creation of roads, schools, or parks, justify the compulsory sale of private land.While the term 'public use' may be interpreted broadly to include projects that contribute to economic development, this has led to controversies and legal battles, most notably the Kelo v. City of New London case.
In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that economic development could be considered a public use under the takings clause, prompting significant public debate and legislative changes in several states aimed at protecting private property rights.
