Which act, associated with Woodrow Wilson, aimed to control unfair business practices?

• A. Clayton Antitrust Act
• B. Securities Exchange Act
• C. Glass-Steagall Act
• D. Sherman Antitrust Act

Answer: (A)

The Clayton Antitrust Act is the correct choice as it was specifically designed to address and curb unfair business practices that were not adequately covered by previous legislation, such as the Sherman Antitrust Act. Enacted in 1914 during Woodrow Wilson's presidency, the Clayton Act sought to prevent anticompetitive practices by prohibiting certain actions, such as price discrimination and exclusive dealings, that could harm competitors. This act also aimed to enhance the government's ability to regulate mergers and acquisitions that might substantially lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly.

The significance of the Clayton Antitrust Act lies in its efforts to create a more equitable business environment by focusing on practices that could stifle competition, thus supporting the rights of consumers and smaller businesses. The acts associated with the other options do not directly target unfair business practices in the same manner. The Securities Exchange Act primarily focuses on regulating the securities industry and protecting investors, the Glass-Steagall Act deals with banking reform and separating commercial and investment banking, and the Sherman Antitrust Act laid the foundational laws against monopolies but lacked some of the specifics addressed in the Clayton Act. This distinction solidifies the Clayton Antitrust Act as a crucial piece of legislation in the context of controlling unfair business practices during Wilson's administration.