Fed - Definition

Congress founded the Federal Reserve, the central bank of the United States, in 1913. It conducts the nation's monetary policy and regulates its banks in order to achieve a flexible and stable economy. The seven members of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate to serve 14-year terms. The chairman and the vice chairman of the board are named by the President from among the members and are confirmed by the Senate. They serve a term of four years.