What legislative action did the U.S. government take to respond to the economic problems caused by trusts and monopolies?

The Interstate Commerce Act was a significant legislative action taken by the U.S. government in response to the economic problems posed by trusts and monopolies, particularly in the railroad industry. Passed in 1887, this act aimed to regulate the railroad industry and its monopolistic practices, establishing the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to oversee these regulations. The ICC was empowered to investigate and enforce fair rates, eliminate rate discrimination, and prohibit monopolistic practices. This move was crucial in addressing the widespread public concern over the unfair practices that monopolies and trusts utilized, which often hurt consumers and small businesses. By targeting the powerful railroad trusts, the Interstate Commerce Act represented a proactive step to restore market competition and protect the interests of the general public against the excesses of unregulated capitalism.

The other options, while they address various economic issues, do not specifically tackle the problems arising from trusts and monopolies.