The major federal consumer protection agencies are authorized by law to: Intervene directly into the very center of free market activities, if that is considered necessary to protect consumers. Substitute government-mandated standards for decision making by private buyers and sellers. Substitute private manufacturing standards for government-mandated standards. Both A and B, but not C.

Both A and B, but not C.

Explanation:

Consumer protection is the practice of safeguarding buyers of goods and services, and the public, against unfair practices in the marketplace. Consumer protection measures are often established by law. Such laws are intended to prevent businesses from engaging in fraud or specified unfair practices in order to gain an advantage over competitors or to mislead consumers. They may also provide additional protection for the general public which may be impacted by a product (or its production) even when they are not the direct purchaser or consumer of that product. For example, government regulations may require businesses to disclose detailed information about their products—particularly in areas where public health or safety is an issue, such as with food or automobiles.

answer; only identify and interpret trends in the marketplace;

answer; someone must cover the cost associated with the provision of scarce goods in both sectors;