Antitrust laws are regulations designed to promote competition and prevent monopolies in the marketplace. These laws aim to protect consumers by ensuring that no single company can dominate an industry, which can lead to higher prices and fewer choices. They apply to various business practices, including mergers, price-fixing, and unfair competition. In the United States, key antitrust laws include the Sherman Act, the Clayton Act, and the Federal Trade Commission Act. These laws empower government agencies, like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), to investigate and take action against companies that violate competition rules, ensuring a fair and open market for all.