Question

enforcement of the sherman antitrust act benefited consumers by banning rate discrimination by railroads. establishing the interstate commerce commission. reducing wages paid to hourly workers. increasing competition in the marketplace.

Explanation:

1. Analyze each option:

• Option 1: Banning rate discrimination by railroads was done by the Interstate Commerce Act, not the Sherman Antitrust Act.
• Option 2: The Interstate Commerce Commission was established by the Interstate Commerce Act, not related to the Sherman Antitrust Act's consumer benefit.
• Option 3: The Sherman Antitrust Act is about promoting competition, not reducing workers' wages (reducing wages would not benefit consumers).
• Option 4: The Sherman Antitrust Act aims to prevent monopolies and promote competition. Increased competition in the marketplace leads to better prices, more choices, etc., benefiting consumers.

Answer:

D. increasing competition in the marketplace (assuming the last option is D, as per the options shown: the last option is "increasing competition in the marketplace")