What best describes the relationship between stockholders and a corporation?

The relationship between stockholders and a corporation is primarily defined by ownership. When individuals buy shares in a corporation, they become stockholders, which means they own a portion of that corporation. This ownership is represented by the shares they hold, and it entitles them to certain benefits, such as voting rights in corporate matters and a claim on a portion of the profits through dividends.

Stockholders are not personally liable for the debts of the corporation, which is a key feature of corporate structure known as limited liability. This means their financial risk is limited to the amount they invested in the company's shares. Additionally, while stockholders may influence strategic decisions indirectly through voting at shareholder meetings, they do not typically get involved in day-to-day operational decisions of the company. Finally, stockholders are not employees of the corporation working without ownership rights; instead, their investment in shares signifies their stake and interest in the corporation's success.