N
The Global Insight

What branch is the Federal Trade Commission?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on February 06, 2026

Executive branch
The Commission, which is known as the FTC, was created in 1914 and is part of the federal government. It’s an independent agency within the Executive branch of the federal government, although it also reports on its activities to Congress, the Legislative branch.

What is an example of the Federal Trade Commission?

Examples include: False advertising and false business claims. Consumer fraud and scams. Breaches of consumer contracts.

Where is the FTC located?

600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
FTC Headquarters (600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW) | Federal Trade Commission.

What does the Federal Trade Commission FTC?

The FTC enforces federal consumer protection laws that prevent fraud, deception and unfair business practices. Whether combatting telemarketing fraud, Internet scams or price-fixing schemes, the FTC’s mission is to protect consumers and promote competition.

Is the Federal Trade Commission real?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an independent agency of the United States government whose principal mission is the enforcement of civil (non-criminal) U.S. antitrust law and the promotion of consumer protection. It is headquartered in the Federal Trade Commission Building in Washington, DC.

What is the structure of the Federal Trade Commission?

The Commission is headed by five Commissioners, nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, each serving a seven-year term. No more than three Commissioners can be of the same political party. The President chooses one Commissioner to act as Chair.

What is covered under the FTC?

The FTC protects consumers by stopping unfair, deceptive or fraudulent practices in the marketplace. We conduct investigations, sue companies and people that violate the law, develop rules to ensure a vibrant marketplace, and educate consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities.

Is the Federal Trade Commission part of the federal government?

The Commission, which is known as the FTC, was created in 1914 and is part of the federal government. It’s an independent agency within the Executive branch of the federal government, although it also reports on its activities to Congress, the Legislative branch.

What are the three bureaus of the FTC?

Three bureaus do the work of the FTC: Competition, Consumer Protection, and Economics. Several other offices help implement the mission of the bureaus. The Bureau of Competition’s job is to promote competition in the marketplace and to challenge business practices that work against competition.

Can a company sue the Federal Trade Commission?

If the FTC and the company can’t agree, the FTC can sue the company. Whether the FTC and the company agree on a settlement—or a court of law orders the company to stop—the company must be sure it follows what the settlement or court order says. Sometimes the company must pay money as a penalty.

Can a commissioner of the FTC be of the same political party?

No more than three Commissioners can be of the same political party. Three bureaus do the work of the FTC: Competition, Consumer Protection, and Economics. Several other offices help implement the mission of the bureaus.