The Federal Reserve
Overview
The Federal Reserve offers to the general public numerous publications available on the Publications page of the Federal Reserve Board website.
The Federal Reserve Board testimonies, press releases, monetary policy reports, the Beige Book, and a variety of other publications offer a detailed assessment of current economic activity, financial markets, and the monetary policy tools used to promote economic activity and preserve price stability.
Preparation
Go to Publications on the Federal Reserve Board website. Under the Monetary Policy menu, explore the monetary policy tools. Notice that the first four in the list are considered conventional tools. The remaining tools in the list are non-conventional.
Instructions
Write an 8–10 page paper in which you evaluate the role and effectiveness of the Federal Reserve in stabilizing the economy since the 2007–2009 recession and its continued impact on the current state of the economy. In your paper:
Describe the ways in which the Federal Reserve adjusted money policy tools in response to the financial crisis of 2007–2009; assess the success or effectiveness of those adjustments.
Assess to what extent the financial crisis of 2007–2009 compromised the independence of the Federal Reserve.
Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of using monetary policy versus fiscal policy when promoting economic activity and preserving price stability.
Describe one anticipated result or economic consequence of the Fed’s actions and the extent to which it actually occurred.
Describe one unintended consequence (such as economic, social, or political) of the Federal Reserve’s actions.
Use data from the Fed publications and other sources to support all of your positions. Cite at least four academic quality references.
Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.
This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left-hand menu of your course. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is:
Evaluate the impact of the Federal Reserve on the state of the economy.
