What is one of the key functions of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) plays a crucial role in regulating business practices to protect consumers and ensure fair competition among businesses. One of its key functions is to create rules and regulations that govern how companies conduct business, particularly in areas such as advertising, marketing, and consumer protection. This helps to prevent deceptive or unfair practices that could harm consumers and maintains healthy competition in the marketplace.

By establishing these rules, the FTC aims to create a level playing field for businesses and to foster an environment where consumers can make informed decisions. The emphasis on fair trade practices is fundamental to maintaining public trust in the market system and safeguarding consumer rights.

Other options, while related to business governance and labor relations, do not accurately describe the FTC's primary role. The enforcement of criminal laws and allocation of federal funding fall outside the FTC’s mandate, and mediation of employee disputes is typically handled by labor relations authorities rather than the FTC.