Corporate Influence and Historical Context

The video explores how corporations have gained significant power in America, influencing both shopping centers and politics. It provides a historical overview of corporations, explaining their legal evolution and the impact of key court decisions like Citizens United v. FEC. The video discusses how corporations use PACs and lobbying to influence political outcomes and highlights the intertwined relationship between corporations and government. It concludes by questioning how the public can limit corporate influence in Washington.

What is the main topic discussed in the introduction of the video?

• The role of government in business

• The benefits of small businesses

• The power of corporations in modern society

• The history of Coca Cola

What does the term 'corporation' originate from?

• Latin word for 'body of people'

• Greek word for 'community'

• French word for 'business'

• German word for 'enterprise'

How do corporations use Political Action Committees (PACs)?

• To hire more employees

• To fund public service projects

• To reduce taxes

• To pool money for political campaigns

What is one method corporations use to influence politicians?

• By organizing public protests

• By spending on lobbying

• By reducing prices

• By offering free products

What was the original purpose of corporations before the late 1800s?

• To compete globally

• To serve the public good

• To maximize profits

• To innovate technology

What historical event is often misunderstood as a protest against the King of England?

• The American Civil War

• The Boston Tea Party

• The Industrial Revolution

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence

What was the significance of the 1886 court case between Santa Clara County and the Southern Pacific Railroad?

• It limited corporate power

• It granted corporations protection under the 14th Amendment

• It abolished corporate taxes

• It established corporate social responsibility

What did President Lincoln predict about corporations?

• They would solve economic problems

• They would support small businesses

• They would lead to corruption and concentrated wealth

• They would become less influential

What was the impact of the Citizens United v. FEC decision?

• It allowed unlimited corporate political donations

• It limited corporate donations

• It banned corporate lobbying

• It required corporate transparency

What does the Burwell v. Hobby Lobby decision allow corporations to do?

• Ignore environmental regulations

• Expand internationally without restrictions

• Assert the religious rights of their owners

• Avoid paying taxes