Question 1

Q: What is the Federal Reserve and what does it do?

Accepted Answer

The Federal Reserve is the central bank of the United States, created by Congress in 1913 . Its core mission is to foster a sound financial system and a healthy economy by conducting monetary policy, supervising and regulating financial institutions, and providing financial services to the U.S. government and depository institutions

Question 2

Q: What is the Federal Reserve's "dual mandate"?

Accepted Answer

Congress assigned the Fed two primary monetary policy goals, known as its "dual mandate": maximum employment and stable prices . Maximum employment is the highest level of employment the economy can sustain, while stable prices are achieved when inflation is low and predictable—the Fed targets a 2% inflation rate over the longer run

Question 3

Q: Is the Federal Reserve a government agency?

Accepted Answer

The Fed is considered "independent within the government" . The Board of Governors is a federal agency, but the 12 regional Reserve Banks are structured more like private corporations. The Fed is self-funded through interest on government securities and does not receive congressional appropriations, insulating monetary policy from political pressure . However, it remains accountable to Congress through regular reports and audits

Federal Reserve Watch

Federal Reserve Watch

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