📚 Learning Guide
Sherman Antitrust Act
medium

What was the primary purpose of the Sherman Antitrust Act when it was enacted?

Master this concept with our detailed explanation and step-by-step learning approach

Learning Path
Learning Path

Question & Answer
1
Understand Question
2
Review Options
3
Learn Explanation
4
Explore Topic

Choose the Best Answer

A

To promote competition by prohibiting monopolies

B

To limit government intervention in the economy

C

To regulate prices of goods and services

D

To provide subsidies to small businesses

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

The Sherman Antitrust Act was created to stop businesses from using unfair tactics to dominate markets and keep prices high. It made it illegal for companies to collude, merge into monopolies, or fix prices. By breaking up monopolies, the law aimed to keep competition healthy and protect consumers from inflated costs. A famous example is the breakup of Standard Oil in the 1890s, which was split into many smaller firms to restore competition. The result was a more level playing field where new entrants could compete and prices stayed reasonable.

Detailed Explanation

The law was made to stop one company from owning all the supplies for a product, so many firms can compete. Other options are incorrect because Some think it reduced the government's role, but actually the Act gave the government power to break up big companies; The Act does not set prices directly.

Key Concepts

Monopolies
Government intervention in economy
Market competition
Topic

Sherman Antitrust Act

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

Practice Similar Questions

Test your understanding with related questions

Ready to Master More Topics?

Join thousands of students using Seekh's interactive learning platform to excel in their studies with personalized practice and detailed explanations.