Which of the following statements about private property is MOST accurate?

A) Private property is defined in the First Amendment to the Constitution.
B) The federal government defines private property by enacting laws that define who is and is not entitled to use a piece of property.
C) Local governments define private property by enacting laws that define who is and is not entitled to use a piece of property.
D) State governments define private property by enacting laws that define who is and is not entitled to use a piece of property.

Private property is defined and regulated by state governments, as outlined in the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution. State governments have the power to enact laws that define who is and is not entitled to use a piece of property. While local governments can also enact laws related to private property, they must do so within the framework established by the state government. Federal law applies to private property only when it is connected to interstate commerce or involves federal interests. The First Amendment relates to freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly, and does not directly address private property.