Rationale and structure of public policies that affect the operation of private markets in the U.S., with special emphasis on consumer goods industries. Focus on antitrust and competition policies (e.g., those covering collusive restraints of trade, monopolization, and mergers) and on policies that affect product quality and information (e.g., product standards, regulation of advertising and labeling). Extensive use of cases and examples in class and homework. Prerequisite: RES-ECON 452.