What is the role of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) plays a crucial role in promoting free and fair competition in the marketplace. Its primary mission is to prevent unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent business practices, as well as to deter anti-competitive behavior that could harm consumers. By enforcing antitrust laws, the FTC ensures that businesses operate in a competitive environment, which is essential for fostering innovation, driving down prices, and improving product quality.

The FTC investigates and takes action against companies that engage in practices such as monopolization, collusion, or other forms of restraint of trade that could limit consumer choice or inflate prices. This regulatory function not only protects consumers but also supports legitimate businesses that compete based on merit.

The other options relate to different areas of governance or regulation that fall outside the FTC's mandate. For instance, oversight of elections relates to various electoral bodies, international trade agreements are typically handled by agencies like the Office of the United States Trade Representative, and criminal law regulation falls under the jurisdiction of law enforcement and judicial systems rather than the FTC.