Question

Read the passage.

Morgan originated, and made large profits from, numerous other mergers. Acting as primary banker to numerous railroads, moreover, he effectively muted competition among them. His organizational efforts brought stability to American industry by ending price wars to the disadvantage of farmers and small manufacturers, who saw him as an oppressor. In 1901, when he established the Northern Securities Company to control a group of major railroads, President Theodore Roosevelt authorized a successful Sherman Antitrust Act suit to break up the merger.

–"J. P. Morgan and Finance Capitalism,”
Outline of U.S. History,
Alonzo Hamby

One result of decreased competition within a market is notably increased

access to innovative goods and lower long-term prices for consumers.
tax revenue for state and local governments.
fraud and corruption among business leaders and elected officials.
ability for the remaining large firms to compete in foreign markets.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

One result of decreased competition within a market is notably increased fraud and corruption among business leaders and elected officials. When competition is muted or eliminated, it can lead to monopolies or oligopolies, which in turn can allow businesses to engage in anti-competitive practices such as price-fixing or collusion. This can create an environment ripe for fraud and corruption as there are fewer checks and balances on the behavior of these firms. It can also lead to higher prices for consumers as there are fewer options in the marketplace. Therefore, the correct answer is "fraud and corruption among business leaders and elected officials."