Make the case for and against an independent Federal Reserve. What wi

Make the case for and against an independent Federal Reserve.

What will be an ideal response?

ANSWER

Case for: 1. An independent Federal Reserve can shield the economy from the political business cycle, and it will be less likely to have an inflationary bias to monetary policy. 2. Control of the money supply is too important to leave to inexperienced politicians.

Case against: 1. It is undemocratic to have monetary policy be controlled by a small number of individuals that are not accountable. 2. In the past, an independent Fed has not used its freedom wisely. 3. Its independence may encourage it to pursue its own self-interest rather than the public’s interest.