Federal Reserve Bank

The Federal Reserve Bank, often simply referred to as the Federal Reserve or "the Fed," is the central banking system of the United States. Established in 1913, its primary functions include regulating the money supply, supervising and regulating banks, providing financial services, and maintaining the stability of the financial system. The Federal Reserve operates independently from the federal government but works in conjunction with it to influence monetary policy, interest rates, and overall economic health.

The policies and decisions of the Federal Reserve can have a profound impact on the overall health of the U.S. economy. This includes its influence on inflation, unemployment rates, and economic growth. The Federal Reserve also provides various financial services to the U.S. government, financial institutions, and international official institutions. This includes check processing, electronic funds transfers, and the issuance of new currency. Voters may be interested in how monetary policy aligns or conflicts with broader economic strategies set by elected officials.