Chapter 15, Student Web Activity, Economics Today & Tomorrow, Glencoe, 2005

Chapter 15: The Federal Reserve System and Monetary Policy
"Functions of the Fed"

Introduction
In this chapter you learned that the Federal Reserve serves as the central bank of the United States, and it sets the monetary policy that keeps our economy rolling. With the many tiers of the Federal Reserve System, it can seem confusing. However, its structure was created with the intent that it would be insulated from partisan interests. On the Web you can visit one of the Federal Reserve's regional branches to take a closer look at its structure and see how its system maintains safe banking conditions.

Destination Title: The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

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Directions
Start at The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Web site.

Click on "About the Fed" and read through the information presented.
Then, click on "Structure of the Federal Reserve System," and read the information.
Next, click on "Fed 101," and browse through the "History" and "Structure" categories.
Browse through the site, taking notes as you go.

Read through the information, and then answer the following questions.

1. How does the Fed work to keep prices stable?

2. How does the Fed help to maintain a sound banking system?

3. What features make the Federal Reserve similar to a private company?

4. How does the structure of the Fed guarantee a system of checks and balances?

5. The Federal Reserve System regulates the money supply, monetary policy, and banking safety in the United States. Imagine what would happen to the economy if the Fed ceased its operations. Draw a cartoon illustrating what would happen to the money supply, the economy, and/or security in banking if the Federal Reserve no longer existed.