7. How are corporations able to influence democracy? a. By forming political parties b. Through lobbying and political donations c. By creating public policies d. Through judicial rulings 8. Which influence on democracy involves advocating for transparency and social justice? a. Economic interests b. Political parties c. Civil society d. Religious institutions 9. What is an example of interconnected influences on democracy? a. Political parties operating independently of economic interests b. Religious interests shaping foreign policy decisions c. Economic interests solely impacting corporations d. Media ignoring civil society campaigns 10. Why is it important to critically evaluate influences on democracy? a. To ensure majority opinions always prevail b. To identify how influences contribute to or detract from democratic processes c. To reduce government power d. To simplify complex power dynamics

7. **b. Through lobbying and political donations**<br /><br />Corporations influence democracy primarily through lobbying (attempting to influence legislation) and political donations (contributing financially to campaigns). While they can influence public opinion and sometimes indirectly affect policy creation, they don't form political parties or directly create public policies or judicial rulings.<br /><br />8. **c. Civil society**<br /><br />Civil society organizations, including NGOs, advocacy groups, and community organizations, often focus on promoting transparency, accountability, and social justice within democratic systems. While other groups can also advocate for these values, civil society is primarily known for this role.<br /><br />9. **b. Religious interests shaping foreign policy decisions**<br /><br />This example demonstrates interconnectedness because it shows how one area of influence (religious interests) can impact another (foreign policy decisions). The other options present scenarios where influences are isolated or misrepresented.<br /><br />10. **b. To identify how influences contribute to or detract from democratic processes**<br /><br />Critical evaluation helps us understand the complex interplay of influences on democracy, allowing us to determine whether they strengthen or weaken democratic principles, institutions, and practices. The goal isn't to ensure majority rule always wins or to oversimplify power dynamics, but to understand them better and safeguard democracy.<br />