What was the primary purpose of the Clayton Antitrust Act enacted in 1914?

The primary purpose of the Clayton Antitrust Act, enacted in 1914, was to address particular anti-competitive practices that were not adequately covered by the earlier Sherman Antitrust Act. This legislation aimed to protect consumers and ensure fair competition by prohibiting certain practices such as price discrimination, exclusive dealings, and tying agreements.

By specifying protections against discriminatory pricing, services, or facilities, the Clayton Act helps to level the playing field in the marketplace, ensuring that no company could engage in unfair pricing structures that would ultimately harm consumers or other businesses. This focus on preventing unfair competition through discrimination is a key aspect of the act and signifies its role in promoting fair trading practices.

Other options listed do touch on important regulatory or social issues, but they do not capture the core function of the Clayton Act as effectively as the choice related to price discrimination, which directly relates to its intent and legislative focus. For instance, while regulating unfair competition is a general principle applicable to the act, the specifics of price discrimination are more targeted and reflect the act's detailed provisions.