Which of the following best describes the term 'antitrust laws'?

Antitrust laws are primarily designed to promote fair competition and prevent anti-competitive behavior in the marketplace. They aim to ensure that no single entity can dominate a market to the extent that it stifles competition, harms consumers, or restricts market entry for new businesses. By prohibiting practices such as price-fixing, monopolistic tactics, and market allocation, antitrust laws help maintain an environment where competition can thrive, ultimately benefiting consumers through better prices and more choices.

The other options refer to different areas of regulation. Zoning rules focus on land use and urban planning, while guidelines for fair housing practices address discrimination in housing. Statutes regulating construction contracts are concerned with the legal aspects of building and construction agreements. While all these aspects are important in their respective fields, they do not define the essence of antitrust laws, which specifically target issues related to competition and market dynamics.