Which of the following best describes a government lot?

A government lot refers specifically to a portion of land that does not conform to the standard rectangular grid system typically established in townships. This grid system is based on a series of sections that are usually one square mile in size. Government lots can arise in various circumstances, like when there is land left over after a survey, or when irregular boundaries limit the ability to fit the standard section layout, often leading to parcels that are smaller or oddly shaped.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of a government lot. While parcels of land assigned for various uses relate to land management and zoning, they don't specifically denote the unique characteristics associated with a government lot. A defined area marked by section lines refers more to standard sections within the township grid, which contrasts with the concept of a government lot. Lastly, proximity to a government building is unrelated to the legal or land surveying definition of a government lot, as it does not pertain to the surveying conventions or land division criteria used in establishing these lots.