What is the primary purpose of antitrust laws in relation to corporations?

The primary purpose of antitrust laws is to promote competition and prevent monopolistic practices. These laws are designed to ensure that no single corporation can dominate the market to the extent that it stifles competition, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy economy. By preventing monopolies and encouraging competition, antitrust laws help to foster innovation, keep prices fair for consumers, and allow smaller businesses an opportunity to thrive.

In essence, antitrust laws aim to protect the structure of the market and the competitive process, which benefits consumers through a wider variety of choices, better services, and more favorable prices. This focus on competition is a fundamental aspect of free market principles, aligning with the idea that competition leads to improved products and services.

The other choices do not align with the primary intent of antitrust regulations. While regulating corporate mergers can be a component of antitrust enforcement, the broader goal is about competition. Reducing corporate taxes and increasing shareholder profits are not objectives of antitrust laws; they pertain more to fiscal policies and corporate governance, respectively.