Final answer:
The two primary methods by which the U.S. government impedes market entry are through trade barriers and tariffs. Trade barriers include actions like limiting licenses, and tariffs increase the cost of foreign goods, thus protecting domestic businesses. Political debate often influences these long-term trade trends, with legislation frequently contemplating additional restrictions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the United States, the two primary methods by which governments typically impede or block entry into markets are through trade barriers and tariffs.
Trade barriers are restrictions that prevent foreign products from entering a country, which can take many forms, such as quotas, licenses, or prohibitive regulations. For example, a city may limit the number of licenses it will issue for taxicabs, creating a direct barrier to entry for new competitors in the taxi industry.
Tariffs are taxes on imported goods that will make foreign products more expensive compared to domestic products, thus protecting domestic industries from outside competition. This government action can discourage foreign businesses from entering a particular domestic market due to increased costs of operation.
Furthermore, long-term trends in barriers to trade often reflect political and economic debates about the balance between promoting free trade and protecting domestic industries. Legislation aimed at creating a "fair playing field" or preventing "unfair trade" frequently includes imposing more restrictive trade barriers.