The Power and Independence of the Federal Reserve - Hardcover

Conti-Brown, Peter

4.25

107 ratings by Goodreads

9780691164007: The Power and Independence of the Federal Reserve

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0691164002 ISBN 13: 9780691164007

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 2016

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An in-depth look at the history, leadership, and structure of the Federal Reserve Bank

The independence of the Federal Reserve is considered a cornerstone of its identity, crucial for keeping monetary policy decisions free of electoral politics. But do we really understand what is meant by "Federal Reserve independence"? Using scores of examples from the Fed's rich history, The Power and Independence of the Federal Reserve shows that much common wisdom about the nation's central bank is inaccurate. Legal scholar and financial historian Peter Conti-Brown provides an in-depth look at the Fed's place in government, its internal governance structure, and its relationships to such individuals and groups as the president, Congress, economists, and bankers.

Exploring how the Fed regulates the global economy and handles its own internal politics, and how the law does―and does not―define the Fed's power, Conti-Brown captures and clarifies the central bank's defining complexities. He examines the foundations of the Federal Reserve Act of 1913, which established a system of central banks, and the ways that subsequent generations have redefined the organization. Challenging the notion that the Fed Chair controls the organization as an all-powerful technocrat, he explains how institutions and individuals―within and outside of government―shape Fed policy. Conti-Brown demonstrates that the evolving mission of the Fed―including systemic risk regulation, wider bank supervision, and as a guardian against inflation and deflation―requires a reevaluation of the very way the nation's central bank is structured.

Investigating how the Fed influences and is influenced by ideologies, personalities, law, and history, The Power and Independence of the Federal Reserve offers a clear picture of this uniquely important institution.

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From the Back Cover:

"Critiques of central banking have for too long been the preserve of economists and insiders, while legal scholars and political scientists concentrated on the regulatory state. Scholarly and stimulating, The Power and Independence of the Federal Reserve breaks this mold and deserves to attract wide interest and discussion."--Paul Tucker, former deputy governor, Bank of England and senior fellow, Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School

"This excellent book focuses on the operations and governance of the Federal Reserve. With an entertaining style and sound justification, Conti-Brown concludes that there are too many diverse functions and policymakers within the Fed, and he offers sensible policy alternatives. His book is essential reading for anyone concerned about monetary policy and the role of the Fed, and central banking more widely."--Charles Goodhart, emeritus professor, London School of Economics

"Is it possible to write a fascinating, original, and even literary book on the power and independence of the Federal Reserve? Yes, because Peter Conti-Brown has done it. His unique blend of historical narrative, legal analysis, and economic knowledge distinguishes this remarkable book from anything ever written about the Fed. Readers may not agree with all of Conti-Brown's conclusions, some of which are highly controversial. But everyone will learn something new."--Alan S. Blinder, author of After the Music Stopped

"Debates about the Federal Reserve often pit advocates of Fed independence against those who believe the Fed should be regularly audited or even abolished. In this highly readable work, Peter Conti-Brown shows both views are mistaken. Along the way, he uncovers forgotten heroes of Fed history, offers the clearest explanation yet of the Fed's maneuvers during and after the 2008 crisis, and demonstrates that the Fed's regional banks are almost certainly unconstitutional. This is an important book."--David Skeel, University of Pennsylvania

"Although more people than ever have become aware of the Fed in recent years, very few actually know what it does and how it actually works. This book explains the history and laws that have shaped the Fed, and provides a deep and coherent discussion of the notion of Fed independence. It makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the Federal Reserve and central banks."--Anat Admati, coauthor of The Bankers' New Clothes

"We know that the Federal Reserve is important, but we seldom think about the legal and political details of its daily monetary policy decisions. In this fascinating book, Conti-Brown brings a fresh and challenging perspective to almost every aspect of Fed history and its current operations."--Simon Johnson, author of 13 Bankers

About the Author:

Peter Conti-Brown is assistant professor of legal studies and business ethics at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is the coeditor of When States Go Broke and Research Handbook on Central Banking.

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