Final answer:
Political cartoons have long been used to critique the undue influence of big business and wealth in government, particularly highlighting the impact of lobbyists and political donations from the super-rich on democracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The political cartoons referenced span different periods but consistently critique the influence of big business and wealth on government and democracy. One cartoon from the collection characterizes William "Boss" Tweed as epitomizing the corrupting power of money, while another depicts Roosevelt's strong, perhaps overreaching, presidential policies. Yet another portrays the begrudging relationship between working-class contributions and organized labor, and others address concerns about the burgeoning influence of lobbyists and political contributions from the super-rich on political processes and decisions.
Throughout history and particularly highlighted in the political cartoons, there have been ongoing debates over the proper roles and limits of corporate and union contributions in political campaigns. The decision in Citizen's United vs. FEC significantly altered the landscape, with some arguing it could lead to an oligarchy, undermining democratic ideals. These historical and contemporary concerns reflect the tension between capitalism's structures and the need for governmental regulation to ensure public interests are not overshadowed by the power of a wealthy few.