Final answer:
The Sherman Anti-Trust Act and the Hepburn Act were both significant pieces of legislation aimed at curbing abusive business practices and monopolies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two pieces of legislation that shared similarities in attempting to correct abusive business practices were the Sherman Anti-Trust Act and the Hepburn Act. The Sherman Anti-Trust Act, passed in 1890, aimed at reducing the power of monopolies and preventing 'combinations in restraint of trade.' This legislation gave the federal government the authority to break up corporations engaging in unfair business practices, even though, initially, its vague phrasing and enforcement limitations posed challenges. Meanwhile, the Hepburn Act of 1906 expanded the powers of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), allowing it to set maximum railroad rates and shifting the burden of proof to the railroads, which was a significant step toward protecting consumers and promoting fair competition.