What is the main function of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)?

The main function of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is to protect consumers and maintain competition by preventing unfair business practices. This role is crucial for ensuring that markets operate fairly and efficiently, allowing consumers to make informed choices while fostering an environment where competition can thrive.

The FTC achieves its objectives through various means, including investigating and challenging unfair or deceptive practices in the marketplace, enforcing antitrust laws to prevent monopolies, and promoting consumer education. By doing so, the FTC aims to create a level playing field for businesses and safeguard the interests of consumers. This responsibility not only helps to maintain healthy economic competition but also encourages innovation and ensures that consumers are not exploited by dishonest practices.

The other options reflect different areas of government responsibility. For instance, overseeing federal elections involves the Federal Election Commission, while regulating financial institutions falls under the purview of agencies like the Federal Reserve or the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Enforcing environmental laws is the domain of the Environmental Protection Agency. Each of these roles is important, but they are distinct from the FTC's focus on consumer protection and competition.