The Tariff Act refers to a series of laws enacted by the United States Congress to regulate international trade by imposing taxes on imported goods. These tariffs are designed to protect domestic industries from foreign competition and generate revenue for the government. The act has evolved over time, with various amendments reflecting changing economic conditions and trade policies. One of the most significant versions of the Tariff Act is the Tariff Act of 1930, also known as the Smoot-Hawley Tariff. This legislation raised duties on numerous imports, leading to retaliatory tariffs from other countries and contributing to the global economic downturn during the Great Depression. The act highlights the complex relationship between trade policy and economic stability.