Which of the following actions exemplify the application of the Sherman Antitrust Act in regulating monopolies? Select all that apply.

The Sherman Act targets conduct that harms competition, such as when a firm colludes with rivals to fix prices or shares markets, which is illegal and can lead to court orders or fines. It also prohibits a single company from monopolizing an industry by using unfair tactics—like buying out competitors or controlling essential resources—to eliminate rivals. Another example is a merger that would substantially lessen competition, which regulators can block or require divestitures. Finally, tying arrangements, where a firm forces customers to buy an unrelated product to obtain a desired one, are also scrutinized under the Act. These actions show how the Sherman Act is applied to prevent monopolistic behavior.