1. The Federal Reserve & Monetary Policy

2. Essential Standards
The student will explain the role and functions of the Federal Reserve System.
The student will describe the organization of the Federal Reserve System.
The student will define monetary policy.
The student will describe how the Federal Reserve uses the tools of monetary policy to promote price stability, full employment and economic growth.
The student will explain how changes in monetary policy can impact an individual’s spending and savings choices.

3. The Federal Reserve Act of 1913
Created the Federal Reserve System…
Usually referred to as “the Fed”.
It is composed of 12 regional banks…
Overseen by a board of governors…
That lend money to private banks— “The Lender of Last Resort”.
All private national banks are required to join the Federal Reserve System.
Janet Yellen
Chair of the Federal Reserve

5. The Role of the Fed The Fed is the bank of the United States…
It processes all government payments (social security, IRS refunds, etc.)…
It also makes interest payments on government bonds…
And is responsible for issuing currency.

6. The Banking System
The Fed provides “check clearing” services for member banks…
The process by which banks record whose account gives up money…
And whose account receives it.
It also supervises all lending practices…
And makes sure that customers receive accurate information from lenders—terms, conditions, interest, etc.

7. Reserves Banks hold only a fraction of their funds in reserve…
The rest has been lent to its customers.
The Fed ensures that each bank keeps the required amount in reserve.
The amount the bank must keep on hand is called the…
Required Reserve Ratio (RRR).

8. Monetary Policy and the Money Supply
The most important role of the Federal Reserve is in controlling the money supply—
The total amount of currency held by individuals, plus money in bank accounts.
By controlling the money supply, the Fed influences…
The growth of the GDP.
The rate of inflation.

9. Which of the following is NOT a power held by the Federal Reserve?
iRespond Question
Multiple Choice F
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A.) setting tax rates.
B.) controlling the RRR.
C.) conducting monetary policy.
D.) overseeing lending practices.
E.) paying interest on government loans.

10. Influencing the Money Supply
The Fed controls the amount of money in the economy by three methods:
1. Altering the Reserve requirement:
—Reducing the RRR…
Increases the money supply (bank loans are allowed to lend more money)
—Increasing the RRR…
Reduces the money supply (bank loans are limited).

11. Influencing the Money Supply
Open Market Operations…
When the Fed buys government bonds/securities, bond sellers receive money that enters the economy…
…and the money supply…
—Increases.
…When the Fed sells bonds/securities, the money supply…
—Decreases.

12. Influencing the Money Supply
Setting interest rates.
The discount rate—the interest rate the Fed charges on loans to other banks.
Lowering the discount rate makes loans cheaper…
Banks respond by lowering the Prime Rate—
The interest rate that banks charge their customers.
When the discount rate is lowered, the money supply…
INCREASES.

13. Which of the following would lead to an INCREASE in the money supply?
iRespond Question
Multiple Choice F
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A.) an increase in the RRR.
B.) a reduction in tax rates.
C.) the Fed’s purchase of government securities.
D.) the construction of a highway.
E.) an increase in the discount rate.

14. Which of the following would lead to a DECREASE in the money supply?
iRespond Question
Multiple Choice F
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A.) the Fed’s sale of government securities.
B.) a decrease in the RRR.
C.) a decrease in the discount rate.
D.) an increase in marginal tax rates.
E.) the construction of a new stadium.

15. Money Supply Philosophy: Tight Money
Tight Money Policy—usually introduced in periods of expansion and inflation.
The Fed will DECREASE the money supply, which will slow down the economy.
There are three methods:
1. The RRR…
increase it!
2. Government securities…
sell ‘em!
3. The discount rate…

16. Money Supply Philosophy: Easy Money
Easy money policy—is usually introduced during times of contraction or recession…
Is it designed to pump money into the economy to get it moving again.
There are three methods:
1. The RRR…
lower it!
2. Government securities…
buy ‘em!
3. The discount rate…

17. In 2008, US GDP declined by more than 2%
In 2008, US GDP declined by more than 2%. In response, you might infer that the Federal Reserve...
iRespond Question
Multiple Choice F
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A.) instituted a period of tight money policy.
B.) called for an increase in marginal tax rates.
C.) raised the discount rate by 3%.
D.) instituted a period of easy money policy.
E.)

18. In 2014, US GDP grows by more than 18%
In 2014, US GDP grows by more than 18%. This causes rates of inflation that exceed 7% and the Federal Reserve responds by...
iRespond Question
Multiple Choice F
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A.) raising the discount rate by eight points.
B.) buying back billions of dollars in government securities.
C.) lowering the RRR by 3%
D.) instituting a period of easy money policy.
E.)