What is the main aim of the Sherman Antitrust Act?

What is the main aim of the Sherman Antitrust Act?

• A. To increase employee wages
• B. To preserve a competitive business environment
• C. To provide job security
• D. To regulate hours of work

Answer: (B)

The main aim of the Sherman Antitrust Act is to preserve a competitive business environment. Enacted in 1890, this legislation was created to combat anti-competitive practices, reduce market monopolies, and encourage fair competition among businesses. By prohibiting activities that restrain trade or commerce, such as monopolization and collusion, the Act seeks to maintain market dynamics that benefit consumers and promote innovation. In contrast, other choices focus on specific outcomes related to employment and labor conditions. Increasing employee wages, providing job security, and regulating hours of work are important aspects of labor laws and employment regulations but fall outside the scope of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The Act specifically addresses competition among businesses rather than direct employee-related issues. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the primary intent of the legislation in protecting competition within the marketplace.

The main aim of the Sherman Antitrust Act is to preserve a competitive business environment. Enacted in 1890, this legislation was created to combat anti-competitive practices, reduce market monopolies, and encourage fair competition among businesses. By prohibiting activities that restrain trade or commerce, such as monopolization and collusion, the Act seeks to maintain market dynamics that benefit consumers and promote innovation.

In contrast, other choices focus on specific outcomes related to employment and labor conditions. Increasing employee wages, providing job security, and regulating hours of work are important aspects of labor laws and employment regulations but fall outside the scope of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The Act specifically addresses competition among businesses rather than direct employee-related issues. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the primary intent of the legislation in protecting competition within the marketplace.