Federal Reserve Role

895 Words4 Pages
Given the role of the Fed in our economy, how can the Fed use the tools that it has to influence an economy that it is in a recession? The Fed has three tools to influence the direction of the economy; in your two to three page paper, make sure to address each of them and what the Fed should do to get the economy out of a recession. The Federal Reserve was established in 1913 to manage the nation’s money as well as our economy. Since its beginning, the Fed, as they are also known, has for the most part run independently of Congress. It is a powerful branch which does not require government approval to react to events which take place in the economy. Any recession or expansion which occurs is often considered a reflection or their actions…show more content…
Prior to their establishment, the United States had over 30,000 different currencies. They included anything from gold to notes issued by drug stores. There were several problems which came from this such as inequality in currencies. Another problem which went on during this time was banks often didn’t have enough money to honor a depositor’s withdrawal. Issues such as money inconsistencies and banking panics were the reason congress established the Federal Reserve Act which was signed into law by Woodrow Wilson on December 23, 1913. In his word it was created “to provide for the establishment of Federal reserve banks, to furnish an elastic cur¬rency, to afford means of rediscounting commercial paper, to establish a more effective supervision of banking in the United States, and for other purposes.” (FRS, 2005) The Fed operates independently by financing its own operations. These finances are generated by the actions of The Board of Governors. This is a seven member board which is appointed by the president. Under them, there are twelve Regional Reserve Banks and each of these has nine directors as well. Each of these directors represents a wide area of interests which include commercial banks, manufacturing, agriculture
Open Document