Political Cartoon: Eminent Domain This cartoon symbolizes the effect of eminent domain on U.S. citizens. The car symbolizes eminent domain, which is the government authority to seize land for the public use. The men in the car represent the corporations and developers who use the land, and the state governments who declare it seized. On the left, the children and the house represent the families and communities who have their property claimed by the government. The cartoonist suggest that while America is known as the “land of opportunity,” this is only so for wealthy developers who have support of local governments. Eminent domain is addressed in the 5th amendment. It is the government’s power to claim land, even if it is privately-owned.