Which agency is primarily responsible for enforcing the Sherman Antitrust Act?

Which agency is primarily responsible for enforcing the Sherman Antitrust Act?

• A. Federal Trade Commission
• B. Department of Labor
• C. Department of Justice
• D. Securities and Exchange Commission

Answer: (B)

The agency primarily responsible for enforcing the Sherman Antitrust Act is the Department of Justice. This act was established to prevent anti-competitive practices and to promote fair competition in the marketplace. The Department of Justice, through its Antitrust Division, investigates and prosecutes companies that violate antitrust laws, including those pertaining to monopolies, price-fixing, and other forms of anti-competitive behavior. Understanding the role of the Department of Justice in this context is crucial, as it not only enforces the Sherman Antitrust Act but also works to maintain market integrity, ensuring that consumers benefit from competitive pricing and choice. The Federal Trade Commission also plays a role in antitrust enforcement, but its focus is more on preventing unfair or deceptive practices in commerce. In contrast, the Department of Labor primarily oversees issues related to workers' rights and workplace regulations, while the Securities and Exchange Commission is concerned with the regulation of securities markets and investor protection, not antitrust issues. Therefore, the Department of Justice is the correct choice for enforcement of the Sherman Antitrust Act.

The agency primarily responsible for enforcing the Sherman Antitrust Act is the Department of Justice. This act was established to prevent anti-competitive practices and to promote fair competition in the marketplace. The Department of Justice, through its Antitrust Division, investigates and prosecutes companies that violate antitrust laws, including those pertaining to monopolies, price-fixing, and other forms of anti-competitive behavior.

Understanding the role of the Department of Justice in this context is crucial, as it not only enforces the Sherman Antitrust Act but also works to maintain market integrity, ensuring that consumers benefit from competitive pricing and choice. The Federal Trade Commission also plays a role in antitrust enforcement, but its focus is more on preventing unfair or deceptive practices in commerce. In contrast, the Department of Labor primarily oversees issues related to workers' rights and workplace regulations, while the Securities and Exchange Commission is concerned with the regulation of securities markets and investor protection, not antitrust issues. Therefore, the Department of Justice is the correct choice for enforcement of the Sherman Antitrust Act.