After Congress passed the Sherman Antitrust Act in 1890, many judges initially ruled against the new law in cases involving trusts. Which statement best explains the reason many judges disagreed with the Antitrust Act?

Question

(1 point)
Responses

Trusts were able to sell their goods at lower prices to consumers.
Trusts were able to sell their goods at lower prices to consumers.

Trusts were private property that the government should not control.
Trusts were private property that the government should not control.

Competition between businesses was still sufficient to benefit consumers.
Competition between businesses was still sufficient to benefit consumers.

Labor unions were damaging the free trade associated with trusts.

Answer 1

The statement that best explains the reason many judges disagreed with the Antitrust Act is:

Trusts were private property that the government should not control.

Many judges at the time believed in a laissez-faire economic philosophy which held that the government should not interfere in private business dealings, including the operation of trusts and monopolies.