Question

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?

(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

Trusts were private property that the government should not control.

Many judges, favoring laissez-faire principles and property/contract rights, saw the Sherman Act as an improper government intrusion on private business and thus ruled against its application.