Federal Trade Commission, Washington D.C.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) was established in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson. Its main purpose is to protect American consumer, prevent monopolies, and to investigate antitrust issues. After moving to several different buildings, the FTC finally settled in the Apex building, completed in 1937, now commonly referred to as the Federal Trade Commission building. Its cornerstone was laid by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt using the same trowel that Washington had used when laying the cornerstone for the U.S. Capitol.

The commission is composed of five members nominated by President and confirmed by Senate. Commissioners are appointed to a seven year term and these terms are staggered so that there is no more than one vacancy appointed per year. However, the commissioners may retire before their term expires and that would necessitate a new appointment. There are never to be more than three members of the same political party sitting on the commission. In addition to protecting consumers and monitoring for unfair competition practices, the FTC is also tasked with providing expert knowledge regarding economic decisions the FTC makes. It was instrumental in the National Do Not Call Registry. It is also in charge of developing policies surrounding the Internet, such as fraud and privacy. The building is located at 600 Pennsylvania Ave NW.