CHAPTER 03—THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM
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Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and the Commodity and Futures Trading Commission.
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46. How does the Federal Reserve derive its income? Is any money appropriated to the Federal Reserve by the United
States government?
The Federal Reserve derives its income from financial services and interest on loans to its
member banks. The U.S. government does not provide funds for the operation of the Federal
Reserve.
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47. Briefly explain why the government might cut spending or raise taxes during a time when the economy is prospering.
When the economy is prospering, demand can exceed supply. This causes prices to increase
and can lead to inflation, when rising prices decrease the value of money. Under these
conditions, the government might cut spending or raise taxes. This causes consumers and
businesses to have less money to spend, reducing demand and stabilizing prices.
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48. Explain how the Board of Governors is selected, the length of each member’s term, and the purpose of the Board. Be
sure to distinguish between the terms of the chair, the vice-chair, and governors.
The President of the U.S. selects members of the Board, subject to consent of the Senate. The
chair and vice-chair can serve an unlimited number of four-year terms. Each governor serves
a 14-year term. The Board of Governors is the policy-making arm of the Fed, and its
decisions control monetary policy.
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49. Why is monetary policy easier to use than fiscal policy to prompt adjustments to the economy?
It is easier for the Fed to change bank reserve requirements than to go through the
fairly cumbersome process of changing legislation to alter taxes. It is quicker for the Fed to
adjust the amount of money flowing into the economy by buying or selling dollars on the
open market than by altering the level of taxes.
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50. If monetary policy restricts the flow of money into an economy too severely, businesses may not be able to afford to
borrow. What are the usual economic results of this?
A decline in spending and investment leading to failure to sell products, especially “big
ticket” items such as new homes, automobiles, and appliances.
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