Page 1Page 2 Property law experts were well aware that longstanding Supreme Court precedent permitted the government to take property for almost any reason. But very few members of the general public knew that. Many ordinary Americans were shocked to learn a city could condemn homes and small businesses in order to promote private development – a reality they were unaware of until the publicity surrounding Kelo drove it home to them.

The Supreme Court upheld the takings in a 5–4 ruling. But the resulting controversy created a major political backlash and shattered the seeming consensus in favor of a broad approach to public use.

–“The story behind Kelo v. City of New London,”
Ilia Somin

According to the Fifth Amendment and the ruling in Kelo v. City of New London, when can the government take your property? Check all that apply.

only if it pays you fairly for your property *
only if you agree to sell your property to it
only if the public benefit outweighs your personal benefit
only if you receive due process*
only if the community will receive some benefit*
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