Discuss the political and legal environment of marketing. All marketing activities are subject to state and federal laws and the rulings of regulatory agencies. Marketers are responsible for remaining aware of and abiding by such regulations.

Some key federal laws that affect marketing are the Sherman Act, Clayton Act, Federal Trade Commission Act, Robinson-Patman Act, Wheeler-Lea Amendments to the FTC Act, Lanham Act, Celler-Kefauver Antimerger Act, and Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. Many laws, including privacy laws, have been passed to protect the consumer as well. The Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Food and Drug Administration are the three federal agencies most involved in regulating marketing activities.

1. The Federal Trade Commission and other governmental agencies have been both praised and criticized for their regulation of marketing activities.
To what degree do you think the government should regulate marketing? Explain your position.

2. Can you think of any other areas where consumer protection laws are needed?

3. What topics are currently receiving attention in FDA News (www.fdanews. com)? What effect has the attention had on market share?