Federal Reserve Act of 1913

The Federal Reserve Act of 1913 established the Federal Reserve System as the central bank of the United States. Considered as one of the most influential laws shaping the US financial system, the Act provides a safer, more flexible, and more stable monetary and financial system, by introducing a central bank to oversee monetary policy. It also gave the 12 Federal Reserve banks the ability to print money to ensure economic stability, setting out purposes, structure, and functions of the System as well as outlines aspects of its operations and accountability. The Federal Reserve System created the dual mandate to maximize employment and keep inflation low. The act also authorized the creation of the Federal Reserve note, regulating and supervising banks to develop and implement monetary policy.