legislative history of the FTC Act

The Federal Trade Commission Act was enacted in 1914 to establish the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a federal agency tasked with protecting consumers and promoting fair business practices. Its legislative history reflects efforts to combat unfair competition, deceptive advertising, and monopolistic practices following widespread corporate abuses in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Act created the FTC with broad authority to investigate, prevent, and stop unfair methods of competition and deceptive practices. Over time, Congress amended the Act to expand the FTC's powers, enhance consumer protections, and adapt to evolving market conditions.