What is the main function of the Federal Trade Commission?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) plays a critical role in maintaining a fair marketplace by promoting competition and protecting consumers. This function is fundamental to its mission, which includes preventing unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices in the marketplace. By encouraging fair competition, the FTC helps prevent monopolies and ensures a variety of choices for consumers, which is essential for a healthy economy.

While regulating funeral homes might seem related to consumer protection, this falls more specifically under state regulations rather than the FTC's primary responsibilities. Providing mental health resources and overseeing burial practices also do not align with the FTC's main objectives. Instead, these areas are typically governed by different regulatory bodies or agencies that focus on health and safety standards or mental health services, rather than the promotion of market competition. Therefore, focusing on fair competition is the central and defining function of the FTC.