By “we,” Bernanke meant the leaders of the Federal Reserve System. At the start of the Depression, the Federal Reserve’s decision-making structure was decentralized and often ineffective. Each district had a governor who set policies for his district, although some decisions required approval of the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, DC. The Board lacked the authority and tools to act on its own and struggled to coordinate policies across districts. The governors and the Board understood the need for coordination; frequently corresponded concerning important issues; and established procedures and programs, such as the Open Market Investment Committee, to institutionalize cooperation. When these efforts yielded consensus, monetary policy could be swift and effective. But when the governors disagreed, districts could and sometimes did pursue independent and occasionally contradictory courses of action.


–“The Great Depression,”

Gary Richardson


According to Bernanke, which factors contributed to the Great Depression? Check all that apply.


a decentralized decision-making structure

a lack of authority to make decisions

a failure to provide decision makers with necessary tools

the establishment of the Open Market Investment Committee

a consensus among Federal Reserve leaders
I WILL GIVE BRAINLIEST TO WHO IS RIGHT FIRST!!!