What amendment to the United States Constitution protects the citizenry from the government taking private property without just compensation?

• A. The First Amendment
• B. The Third Amendment
• C. The Fifth Amendment
• D. The Sixth Amendment

Answer: (C)

This question centers on protection against the government taking private property for public use without paying fair value. That safeguard is in the Takings Clause of the fifth amendment, which states private property cannot be taken for public use without just compensation. “Just compensation” means paying the owner fair market value at the time of the taking. This is the essence of eminent domain, the government’s power to acquire private property for public purposes while ensuring the owner is paid.

The other amendments mentioned protect different rights: the first covers freedoms such as speech and religion, the third restricts the quartering of soldiers, and the sixth secures rights of the accused in criminal trials. For a scenario where land is being used for a public project, the requirement to compensate the owner makes this a fifth amendment matter.