单选题 This is because major unions have long - run contracts calling for annual wage increases no 1 what economic conditions are at the time. The tendency of large corporations to rely on nonprice competition and to reduce output rather than cut prices "also keeps prices 2 Furthermore, if prices do decline drastically in a field, the government is likely to step in with programs to help take excess supplies 3 the market. There is little doubt that prices would decline in a severe and prolonged depression. However, government would take action to counter the resulting unemployment 4 the economy reaches such a level. 5 we no longer experience the downwind price pressure of a depression.