Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt didn't invent the notion that corporations are "creatures of the state" but he certainly popularized it. What he meant was that the corporate form with all of its advantages is created by statutory law, and the government has not only the right but the duty to reign in corporations with regulations for the common good. Although Roosevelt was a Republican, we don't associate calls for tighter regulation of corporations with the Republican party of today.

What do you think? Should the government scrutinize corporate actions more closely to limit the tremendous power corporations wield in our society, or should government try as much as possible to get out of the way so corporations can maximize profits and shareholder value? You may want to do some supplemental research online so you can explain and counter arguments against your position. Be sure to address both sides of the issue.