What is the purpose of connecting equal-value resistors across power supply filter capacitors connected in series?

When high-voltage filter capacitors are connected in series to increase their overall voltage rating, their individual internal leakage resistances can vary. Placing equal-value 'bleeder' resistors in parallel across each capacitor helps ensure that the total voltage divides equally across them, preventing any single capacitor from exceeding its safe voltage rating. Additionally, these resistors serve a vital safety function. They automatically bleed off the stored charge in the capacitors after the power supply is turned off, protecting users from dangerous electrical shocks. Finally, drawing a small continuous current through these resistors provides a minimum load on the power supply. This helps stabilize the output voltage, especially in choke-input filter designs that require a minimum current to regulate properly. Because all three of these functions are true, the correct answer encompasses all choices.