In which phase of u. s. government regulation were major laws such as the sherman antitrust act, the clayton act, and the federal trade commission act passed to maintain a competitive environment? a. the industry deregulation phase b. the antimonopoly period c. the consumer protection phase d. the phase aimed at protecting competitors?

The correct answer is B.

All of the aforementioned pieces of legislation deal with regulation or breaking up trusts/monopolies.

For example, the Clayton Act (passed in 1914) helped to regulate businesses from using anti-competition techniques that would hurt their competitors.

The Sherman Anti-Trust Act (1890) allowed the federal government to investigate trusts/monopolies. Companies investigated by the federal government who were found guilty of breaking this law faced federal charges.

These laws all helped to ensure competition in American society.